GPS in vehicles: Kerala Transport Minister

THRISSUR: Transport Minister AK Saseendran claimed here on Monday that Global Positioning System (GPS) would be introduced in all vehicles plying on the roads in the state by next year.

Speaking after taking the salute at the passing out parade of the tenth batch of assistant motor vehicle inspectors at the Kerala Police Academy here, the minister said other modern facilities like automatic number recognition system and artificial intelligence system would also be introduced in the vehicles.

GPS will make it possible for the vehicle inspectors to gather details of the vehicles and their drivers, including the tax remittance status, without actually stopping the vehicles. The artificial intelligence system will enable the inspectors to verify whether the drivers are wearing seat belts or helmets, Saseendran said.

The ‘Safe Kerala’ project envisages formation of a transport monitoring and regulatory force, equipped with modern facilities and training. The drivers will also be given more training, the minister said.

These facilities will reduce complaints like reckless driving and over-speeding, and thereby reduce the number of accidents, Saseendran said.

In all 173 assistant vehicle inspectors, including a woman inspector, took part in the training. Apart from physical training, the recruits were given training in various laws, forensic science, wireless communication, yoga and swimming.