The issue of speed governors has suddenly gained momentum after the transport department refused to give fitness certificates to vehicles that haven’t fitted the device. According to the notification issued by the ministry, all four-wheeler transport vehicles not exceeding eight passengers in addition to the driver and not exceeding 350 kg gross vehicle weight will have to compulsorily fit speed governors. North Goa Tourist Taxi Owners Association members gheraoed Director of Transport Nikhil Dessai and questioned immediate implementation of the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways direction making the fitment of speed governors mandatory. While taxi owners sought time of 3 months to implement the directive, the Director of Transport was of the view that this was not possible although it asked tourist taxi owners to submit a formal request. The taxi owners and NGTTOA president Laxman Korgaonkar must realise that the notification is not new. It was issued on May 1 and if it is a question of affecting the livelihood of taxi owners, there was time and steps should have been taken on an urgent basis. The state is not empowered to give relaxation against a central government notification. Korgaonkar must also note that the SC committee on road safety is monitoring the issue. There are no arguments that can be made now. Logic of comparisons between road accidents, bikes and taxis doesn’t apply now. It’s time to follow the rules.
