JOIN USThe protest by taxi owners' association against the state government's rule for mandatory installation of speed governors to old vehicles ended on Tuesday after officials assured of a solution at the earliest.
Led by South India Motor Transport Association secretary G R Shanmugappa, protesters under the banner of Bruhat Bengaluru Taxi Drivers Union met Transport Commissioner B Dayananda.
The protesters submitted letters received from four automobile manufacturers - Maruti Suzuki, Honda, Toyota and Force Motors - stating that the companies can't give warranty to vehicles that have been modified or altered.
The state government in August issued an order stating that commercial vehicles that weigh less than 3,500 kg must instal speed limiting devices with immediate effect. While new vehicles have in-built devices that perform the function, old ones require the owners to instal then externally.
However, taxi owners cried foul stating the devices that cost about Rs 3,000 in neighbouring states are priced above Rs 10,000 in Karnataka. "More than 6,000 vehicles have remained off the roads as they are not getting fitness certificate (FC). Following the government order, the installation of speed governors is a prerequisite for obtaining FC. We want the government to exempt old vehicles from the rule," Shanmugappa said.
Transport Commissioner Dayananda said he will forward the letters submitted by the protesters. "The issue involves technical, administrative as well as legal aspects. The government will take a call on it after examining it," he told DH.
On 6,000 vehicles that have remained off the road, he said fitness certificate cannot be issued to them unless the government gives permission.