GPS manufacturers cannot accept money to upgrade speed limiting device code: Transport department

MUMBAI : The transport commissioner’s office on Sunday warned stringent action against GPS manufacturers against whom there were complaints of recently accepting money to upgrade the old speed limitation device codes in transport vehicles, especially for the city’s school buses.In 2018, the Supreme Court mandated that commercial vehicles, including school buses, must have speed governors with standardised 16 alphanumeric digit codes. Regional Transport Office (RTO) authorities received instructions to digitalise and maintain records of the unique 16-digit speed governor details for all registered vehicles.A group of transporters recently visited the transport commissioner's office to report harassment and monetary demands for upgrading their old 5-digit coded speed governors to 16-digit systems.“GPS

device manufacturers are requesting substantial amounts for implementing 16-digit governors.,” said a bus operator from Mumbai.RTO officers refuse fitness clearances to vehicles during periodic inspections unless they possess the 16-digit governor number.According to an official from transport commissioner's office, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has instructed manufacturers to modify all codes to 16 digits without charging fees. “Any demand for money or harassment, transporters or bus operators can approach and complain to transport commissioner," the officer added.