Apex court directives ignored blatantly, alleges APSGMDA

Vijayawada: The speed limiting devices or speed governors were fitted to about 90 percent of the commercial and transport vehicles till the present date from May 1, 2017 as per the Supreme Court order. “The transport authorities are issuing fitment certificates to the vehicles irregularly against the guidelines,” said AP Speed Governors Manufacturers and Distributors Association (APSGMDA) president, M V Ranga Rao, here on Thursday.

Speaking to the media at the Press Club here, Ranga Rao alleged that to cut down accidents on over speeding, the Central government had issued guidelines to all the state governments as per the Supreme Court order. “All commercial vehicles above 3.5 tonnes and transport vehicles with more than seven passengers should be fitted with speed limiting device between May 1, 2017 and April 30, 2018 at all the 90 transport commissioner offices in the state.

But vehicle fitment certificates are issued against the Supreme Court and Ministry of Transport and Highways guidelines without proper verification of variant approvals, tax bills and QR code,” he added. “The main purpose of implementing speed limiting device was diluted due to this practice,” he condemned.

“The transport department should recommend speed governors device approved by Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) or International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT). Without verification, the issuing of fitment certificate to any speed limiting kits dilutes the purpose of implementing speed governors,” reiterated the official.

He further said that in spite of bringing this issue to the notice of the officials, no action has been taken. Rao warned that the issue would be taken to court upon further neglect to regulate the malpractice. APSGMDA secretary T Raj Kumar and treasurer M Surendra Nadh were seen at the event.