PANAJI
Amidst the chaotic situation surrounding the installation and functioning of speed governors in commercial vehicles with the deadline looming closer, there might be some relief for these operators considering the shortage of devices in the market.
Reliable government sources revealed to The Goan that there may be “adequate time” granted to comply with the order issued by the Transport Department last month. “Adequate does not mean infinite time. Our enforcement will be strict after a particular period…The adequate time will be valid only for a brief period,” the source quickly added.
Taxi operators and rental car operators, in particular, are vehemently opposing the order citing instances where speed governors are malfunctioning. Sources said that quite a few devices are intentionally deactivated or are genuinely malfunctioning, requiring replacement or repair.
“We might grant them a breather to procure new ones or get the existing ones repaired, accordingly. We have observed a scarcity of these devices in the market… However, the order’s implementation remains mandatory,” the official said.
Depending on availability and market conditions, the Transport Department might consider granting some leeway to commercial vehicle operators.
“Given the practical challenges as our officials have verified the situation on the ground, the shops are indeed running out of stock. As such, short relief might be granted and it won’t be an infinite relief,” he reiterated.
Some taxi operators who were unable to procure these devices had approached Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho who reportedly assured an extension of the deadline. “While it’s only a matter of time, there will be no compromise on enforcement,” added the official.
The Department had on February 27 issued an order making speed governors mandatory for both “ tourist taxis and rent-a-cars.
The order, issued by Director P Pravimal Abhishek (IAS) has directed the Assistant Directors of Transport (ADTs) to inspect these vehicles with a special focus on rent-a-cars to ensure proper installation and functioning of these devices. The matter was to be reviewed on March 12.
Officials stated that the department has begun a review of the general enforcement and the type of violations found such as tinted glasses, helmetless riding, etc.
