Heavy Vehicles Speed in the Crosshairs

12 years, 5 months ago - 4 July 2012, The Défi Media Group
Heavy Vehicles Speed in the Crosshairs
HGVs must now be equipped with an automatic speed limiter. A measure that also concerns individual buses and transportation companies.

The objective of the National Transport Authority (NTA) is to improve road safety and reduce accidents. The measure makes it unanimous? The guests of the Duel, Tuesday morning, were Dhoop Gowrisungkur operator in the field of transportation, and Jayen Chellum, general secretary of the Consumers' Association of Mauritius (PMAC). 

> What is your opinion about the usefulness of speed limiters for trucks?  

Dhoop Gowrisungkur: This is a decision that was expected. With the number of accidents that are occurring, the Prime Minister or the average person likes this. With the vehicle engine capacity and improved roads, there is a tendency to press the fungus. The police made efforts to reduce vehicle speeds, but we find that this is not enough.The speed limiter is a very good initiative, although it is true that we will pay the price. We would like to buy duty free, but the government did not accede to our request. 

> Are the drivers and operators have difficulty in obtaining these speed limiters? 

Dhoop Gowrisungkur: No. On the contrary, people we have offered to provide the past three months. 

> Will it control over our roads or is it that the check will be made when the certificates will be awarded to Fitness?  

Dhoop Gowrisungkur: Initially, it is necessary either at the time of awarding Certificates of Fitness. The police can not stop every bus or truck to check the speed. The Fitness are issued every three or six months or one year.Therefore, the vehicles will be equipped in the very near future. To avoid the violation, we will be forced to adopt speed limiters. 

> How important is the speed limiter? 

Jayen Chellum: The main objective is to reduce the speed of buses, trucks and other heavy vehicles. This option arose after accidents that have occurred, involving a number of vehicles. According to available statistics for 2011, it should be noted that the number of fatal accidents involves the following vehicles: private cars - 45 taxis - 4, vans - 39, motorcycles and mopeds - 65 trucks - and 17 buses - 16. 

> What is your opinion about those who say that the price of speed limiters is exaggerated? 

Jayen Chellum: We can not point the finger at the NTA. It is only a performer, it is the government that decides how to proceed. As they say govern is to foresee. The government must ensure that enough technicians and engineers, people with the skills to make changes in the truck sector. If we do not have sufficient skills and equipment, policy makers should pay on time and ensure that the limiters are available. According to my information, there are not enough and implement measures in this direction is to the detriment of drivers, which is unfair.