Motor vehicle dept plans to install CCTVs at all RTOs in state

The motor vehicle department plans to install closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras at all regional transport offices (RTO) across the state, Kailash Korde reports.

The motor vehicle department plans to install closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras at all regional transport offices (RTO) across the state.

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The move is aimed at making driving license tests and vehicle fitness certification procedures stricter.

Motor vehicle department officials believe this will act as a deterrent and help keep touts at bay.

However, before going ahead with the plan, the motor department wanted to test the efficacy of the cameras and had hence installed CCTVs at the Tardeo and Andheri RTO offices last year.

“We want to install at least four CCTVs in each RTO office,” said an official on the condition of anonymity as he is not authorised to speak to the media.

He added that these cameras will be installed at areas where vehicles are inspected before issuing a fitness certificate and where tests to obtain a learning and permanent driving license are conducted.

There are a total of 48 RTO and deputy RTO offices across the state. Officials also feel the installation of the cameras will help break the current nexus between RTO officials and touts.

“Once people know they are being watched, they will work more responsibly,” said a senior RTO official.

Motor vehicle officials said if everything goes according to plan, all RTO offices across the state would be under CCTV surveillance by 2014.

The department is yet to work out how much the project will cost.