The government yesterday maintained all matatus must have upgraded and tamper-proof speed governors instaled that incorporate recording devices. The inbuilt recording devices will be linked to a command centre at the NTSA offices to monitor their movement.
They can send real time data on the vehicle’s speed, making it easy for the safety enforcement agency to respond and apprehend speeding drivers.
Besides relaying information to the control centre and triggering action, they will also send alerts in case of attempts to tamper with them. The decision was arrived at after the government realised most PSVs have been fitted with speed governors that are substandard, faulty or prone to manipulation by crafty mechanics. Many do not function.
The latest integrated technology can retain speed data, which can be retrieved in case of an accident to determine if the driver had exceeded the limits.
PSVs are supposed to be driven at a maximum speed of 80kmph, but many drivers hardly adhere to the rule because they do not have speed governors, or those instaled have been tampered with.
NTSA director general Francis Meja yesterday said those with old devices will have to upgrade them. The latest technology could also help in the prosecution of cases against traffic offenders.
“This is the direction we want to go to enhance public safety on the roads,” Meja said.