PANJIM: The fitment of High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) on vehicles is set to resume from May 18 with preference being given to huge backlog created due to the lockdown. Manufacturer and supplier of the high security number plates M/s Real Mazon India Pvt Ltd has already begun sending text messages to vehicle owners informing about rescheduled appointments. At the same time, fresh appointments have also resumed at respective RTOs.
“Those who missed their appointments due to the lockdown will be dealt with first. We will be clearing the backlog and thereafter new appointments will be taken up,” a senior official of Real Mazon, Kate Kayani told Herald.
The entire operation will however be slightly modified considering the health precautions to be undertaken to keep at bay COVID-19. The vehicle owners, this time, will have to strictly follow the timing fixed by the firm.
“We are following the social distancing norms and all health precautions while carrying out the operations. At bigger fitment centres like Porvorim and Arlem, four vehicles can easily fit in (the centres) with sufficient space between each, every half an hour. Whereas smaller centres will handle one vehicle every 20 minutes,” she explained. “We will check the timings sent to the vehicle owners by text messages. Those who are before or after the given time, they will be asked to wait; while vehicles at punctual time will be accepted first.”
The strict rule is expected to find backlash from people but considering the health crisis across the world, people have been urged to cooperate. “It’s a question of life and death. We cannot take chances,” Kayani added.
For vehicle owners who miss their appointments, their vehicles will be taken up every Saturday. However, the agency has advised people to not miss the appointments. “We prefer you don’t miss the appointments because we have a lot of catching up to do. We are limiting our numbers due to social distancing. We cannot afford to have people missing the appointments,” she further said.
The vendors, who have their representatives at every RTO have also started giving new appointments since last week and it has already done away with month-wise schedule of vehicle series. In the wake of the lockdown due to COVID-19, the installation of HSRP as well booking appointments has stalled since last week of March.
Meanwhile, the Transport Department has also resumed all its activities such as issuance of licenses, certificates, etc.
