Motor Vehicles Department goes on a safety overdrive

KOCHI: To rein in speed demons across the state, the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) is planning to introduce more interceptor vehicles, handheld radars and even GPS-enabled vehicle tracking system in all the four zones.
The department, which is banking on high-tech devices to intensify their enforcement drives, has been allocated Rs 5.2 crore from Modernisation in Government Programme (MGP) funds for the purpose.Initially, the MVD will procure five interceptor vehicles and six handheld radars to keep a tab on motorists violating the law.
"With laser-aided radars and interceptors, we will be able to detect the speed of any vehicle even if they come in a convoy or are using different lanes along the same stretch. The new vehicles and handheld devices are being introduced as a part of enhancing the enforcement wings of the department," said transport commissioner K S Balasubramonian.
An official said the department had already floated tenders for procuring these equipment. "We have floated tenders for purchasing cameras, handheld radars and other supporting devices including printer, recording and playback systems. We are hoping to procure and handover these devices to the respective zones in two months," the official said.
At present, the department has an interceptor each in all the four zones of the state. The official added that the department was planning to introduce interceptors in all districts and radar surveillance systems or GPS-based vehicle tracking systems in four districts. The department has started preliminary discussions and studies for introducing the new system and will finalise the districts in a few months, according to the transport commissioner.
To ensure and create awareness on road safety, the department will also conduct exhibitions and organize road shows across the state. "We are also planning various awareness programmes including quiz and essay writing competitions and road safety rallies through clubs set up in various schools and colleges in the state," said Balasubramonian.