The Transport Department has sought a clarification from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways about making speed governors mandatory in commercial vehicles in the wake of protests by taxi and drivers’ unions over the issue.
A senior government official, however, said that the department had only asked the Ministry if it would grant any time for the installation of speed-limiting devices on older vehicles, including taxis plying on both inter and intra-city routes, and those registered after May 1.
The department has reportedly not asked about the exemptions sought by the unions.
Question about lead time
“The department has sought clarification on whether there is any lead time that will be given for the retro-fitting of speed governors on older vehicles. The policy is perfectly clear in mandating the installation of such devices on vehicles registered after May 1,” said the official.
Multiple unions representing drivers had opposed the Delhi government’s decision in this regard, which followed a directive from the Union Ministry deeming speed governors as necessary to reduce accidents.
Recently, the Delhi Taxi, Tourist Transporters & Tour Operators Association had submitted a memorandum to the Transport Department, requesting that vehicles plying under the All India Tourist Permit (AITP) be exempted. The association had threatened a stir if the demand was not accepted.
The memorandum argued for the policy to be limited to cabs plying locally as vehicles registered under the AITP are outside the city most of the time and would be inconvenienced if their speed was limited during long distance travel.
Sources, however, said the department was not in favour of seeking exemptions.
