PANJIM: Fitting of speed governors in commercial vehicles, fare meters and GPS in tourist taxis has been further delayed. The rules making speed governors and taxi meters along with GPS mandatory were to be implemented from November 1, 2016 but have been kept in abeyance as there are no dealers in the State.
Speaking to Herald Deputy Director of Transport (North) Prakash Azavedo said that as per the Central government amendment to the Act, speed governors in commercial vehicles are compulsory but there are no dealers for the same in Goa.
“We have given a month’s relaxation in view of there being no dealers. We are inspecting the vehicles and issuing an inspection memo with which the transporters can operate their business. Once the governors are fitted we will issue the certificate,” Azavedo said.
Transport Department has made it compulsory for commercial vehicles to have speed governors fitted at the time of their annual inspection.
“There is no Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways recognised dealer in Goa. There are five agencies recognised by the ministry, hopefully some of them will cater to Goa or we may have to extend the time further,” Azavedo said.
Installation of fare meters and GPS system in tourist taxis has also been delayed due to empanelling issue of dealers in Goa. Transport department said that two dealers have responded to the public notice to provide meters and GPS system to taxis, but one of the dealers has not applied.
“In view of that situation the file has now been sent back to the government. A comprehensive decision will be taken shortly as installation will not solve the purpose but the dealers should also tender service after installation,” Azavedo said.
There are approximately 21,000 tourist taxis across the State, which need to be fitted with the fare meters and GPS system according to the motor vehicle rules.
“We cannot force people to keep their vehicles off the road which will create inconvenience to the people, so we have extended the time for both commercial vehicles and taxis,” Azavedo said.
