PANAJI
Notwithstanding complaints regarding alleged faulty speed governors, the Transport Department is firm in enforcing the installation of these devices in commercial vehicles, with a particular focus on tourist taxis and rental cabs.
Sources within the ministry informed The Goan that while taxi operators are yet to formally communicate their grievances involving agencies fitting speed governors, suo motu measures will be taken.
Strict Compliance
“The government will ensure that Rule 118 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 is strictly complied with. There’s already been a nine-year delay...No excuses can further delay the implementation,” an official said.
The Department, on Feb 27, directed the Assistant Directors of Transport (ADTs) to inspect the commercial vehicles with a special focus on rent-a-cars to ensure proper installation and functioning of these devices. The officers are also asked to ascertain whether these are operational at the time of renewal or issuance of fitness certificates to such vehicles.
Allegations and Inquiry
On March 5, the taxi operators led a delegation to the department alleging a scam into fitment of speed governors and sought an inquiry.
The ministry official said that an independent inquiry will be launched, including those against some RTO officials for issuing permits to taxis without speed governors but questioned why the taxi operators did not raise concerns earlier.
“It’s strange that taxi operators are alleging a scam into the issuance of certificates by agencies and RTO permits at a time when we issued the order. Nevertheless, our inquiry will proceed. So also, compliance of the order will be periodically monitored irrespective of ‘excuses’ by some commercial vehicle owners,” the official stated, adding that the responsibility lies with both the owner and permit holder.
Overspeeding Concerns
The department further conceded that numerous commercial vehicles are caught overspeeding, indicating they are not fitted with speed governors.
The State government is, however, tight-lipped on why there was laxity in the implementation between 2015 and the present order.
