Panaji (Goa): Granting a six-month relief to the tourist tax operators, the State Government has exempted them from the requirement of the fitment of speed governor to their vehicles till July 31, 2018, or until the system of two or three manufacturers are easily available at reasonable rates, whichever is earlier.

Transport director Nikhil Desai has issued a notification in this regard today.

Over 16,000 tourist taxi operators had gone on two-day-long strike across state protesting against the installation of speed governor. The government had set a deadline of February 24 for fitting the system.

“The government of Goa hereby exempts all the transport vehicles having four wheels whose gross weight does not exceed 3500 kilograms and which are used for carriage of passengers and their luggage’s, with seating capacity not exceeding eight passengers in addition to the driver seat, from the requirement of fitment of speed governor under rule 118 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 to July 31, 2018,” the notification reads.

“Or until such time the speed governors of two or three manufacturers are easily available at reasonable or competitive rates, whichever is earlier, for the fitment by the transport vehicle owners,” it added.

The Transport department will commence issuing fitness certificates to these vehicles from next week.

Team TNV