SHIMLA: Tourists and holiday crowds in Himachal Pradesh were badly hit Monday after thousands of taxis went off the roads Monday, the drivers protesting against electronic fare meters being made mandatory.

According to a direction by the high court, the government has made electronic meters a must in taxis in the resort towns of Shimla and Dharamsala in the first phase.

Transport department officials have been fining taxis without meters since April 24 - a move that has angered taxi operators.

While most are complaining about the compulsory installation, others said meters were in short supply in the state and priced higher than those available in New Delhi.

Transport Minister G.S. Bali has warned taxi operators that the government will not tolerate their strike and unruly conduct. The taxi drivers had beaten up a transport official Sunday.

There are an estimated 18,000 taxis in the state -- 4,000 in Shimla alone.