MARGAO
With the Transport Department gearing up to roll out electronic enforcement of traffic violations through Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) cameras, thousands of vehicle owners in Salcete who are yet to install High Security Registration Plates (HSRPs) are worried they could be penalised.
When the issue was raised with Road Transport officials in Margao, they acknowledged that motorists without HSRPs could face e-challans for non-compliance. However, officials were unable to explain how the department expects thousands of owners of older two-wheelers and four-wheelers to complete the HSRP installation process within such a short period.
A senior RTO official advised vehicle owners to visit the HSRP portal and book an appointment with their respective vehicle dealers for installation. However, the suggestion drew criticism from motorists, who pointed out that many vehicle owners, particularly senior citizens and those in rural areas, have limited access to online services and may end up depending on touts and agents.
A motorist said the Transport Department should take responsibility for making the HSRP process more accessible by opening dedicated installation centres across all talukas instead of relying solely on dealerships.
Another vehicle owner questioned whether failure to install HSRPs actually falls within the list of violations to be detected by the ITMS cameras. “The notified list of offences primarily refers to fancy or unauthorised number plates. Before initiating action against motorists who have not yet switched to HSRPs, the department should first establish adequate infrastructure by opening HSRP centres across all talukas,” he said.
He further argued that, with thousands of vehicles yet to switch to HSRPs, the government should grant motorists at least six months to complete the installation before enforcing penalties through the new electronic surveillance system.
