PORVORIM: The government is examining the possibility of relaxations to taxi operators in installing speed governors, which is mandatory as per the rules of the Motor Vehicle Act, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar told the House on Wednesday, in response to MLAs concerns on the issue.
Transport Minister Ramkrishna (Sudin) Dhavalikar said the issues related to speed governors will be placed before the State Advocate General and the Law Department.
Calangute MLA Michael Lobo, Margao MLA Digambar Kamat and Benaulim MLA Churchill Alemao raised the issue of taxi operators in the House. Taxi operators have been protesting the decision of speed governors in taxis.
The Transport Minister informed the House that the installation of speed governors in taxis is based on Supreme Court directions and the State cannot interfere.
Dhavalikar, speaking further, said the amendment to the Central Motor Vehicle Act will address most issues raised by MLAs regarding accidents, rash and negligence driving. He added that enforcement will be in every village and centrally connected CCTV cameras will be installed on all streets for traffic management. The Minister said that cameras will not only improve discipline on the streets but also reduce crime.
He further said that PWD and Transport departments have identified 58 accident-prone zones in the State and the government is making improvements in all these places.
He said that through a centrally-funded scheme works on the Mapusa, Margao and Ponda bus stands will be taken up first, and in second phase Curchorem and Bicholim would be taken up. Works on small bus stands will be taken up from state funds.
