MANSI BHAMBRI/Dehradun
The Transport department’s electronic-detection system has evoked hope of positive changes among insurers and operators of pollution check centres who are anticipating a steady rise in their business. Besides, the experts expect more focus on traffic regulations and road safety. The department launched this system following successful testing. This system monitors vehicle documents on the road without human intervention. Preparations for the installation of this system have been going on for the past one year.
In the first phase, the e-detection system has been implemented at seven toll plazas located on highways across Uttarakhand. This system automatically verifies the validity of essential vehicle documents, including permits, insurance certificates, pollution certificates (PUCC), fitness certificates and road tax. E-challans will be issued for violations related to these documents.
The insurance advisor Bharat Kohli sounded happy with the decision, stating that it could lead to a 20 to 30 per cent increase in the insurance business. “Earlier, some people would avoid insurance for their vehicles as they had no fear of the law. However, with the introduction of the e-detection system, people are likely to feel compelled to maintain their documents to avoid fines. If this happens it will definitely boost the insurance business,” he added.
Another insurance advisor, Mahindra Verma shared a similar view. He said that this initiative would not only positively impact their business but also ensure that the vehicles with valid and safe documents are allowed on the road, thereby reducing accidents.
Many other insurance advisors welcome the move.
This aside, many of those working for the pollution control centres hailed the Transport department’s initiative. One of them working for a centre on Rajpur Road while talking to this correspondent said that the e-detection system would create an awareness among people, encouraging them to maintain their essential documents, including insurance and pollution certificates. “This, in turn, is likely to increase the number of pollution certificates issued, subsequently benefiting pollution control centres’ business,” he added.
In the same breath, he urged the authorities to ensure that the app used by customers to check pollution status is updated. “The status may not often reflect accurately due to errors which may vex the customers,” he noted.
Lauding the initiative, the president of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Guwahati, eminent orthopaedic surgeon and road safety activist, Dr BKS Sanjay said that this is a welcome step which would raise public awareness, compelling them to comply with the norms. “Awareness is the first step towards ensuring the much-needed rod safety,” he averred.
