Deadline for installing GPS devices extended

Thiruvananthapuram: The state government has decided to extend the deadline for installation of GPS devices in transport vehicles, in a gesture of conciliation to trade unions that have declared a statewide strike on June 18.
The decision was announced by transport minster A K Saseendran in the assembly on Thursday while concluding the discussion on demand for grants in the transport sector. “The government will grant more time for installing the GPS devices besides arranging for equated monthly installments for procuring the device,” the minister said.
However, the trade unions have not called off the strike yet. “We have not received any official communication,” said Lawrence Babu, chairman of Private Bus Operators Confederation and a member of the Motor Vyavasaya Samraksha Samathi, which has called for the 24-hour strike.
According to the minister, the government will facilitate the vehicle owners to procure the GPS system from Kollam-based United Electricals Industries Limited (UEIL), a public sector undertaking that recently launched the GPS-enabled vehicle tracking and speed monitoring system (VTS), on EMI payment.
‘Guideline for ambulance operation’: The minister also said the government would come out with a set of guidelines for ambulances, besides a training programme for drivers in the wake of the recent accident in Palakkad involving an ambulance.“Though we cannot restrict the speed of ambulances, there should be a set of rules to ensure the safety of patients ,” he said.