PANAJI: The Transport Department is considering putting a moratorium on registration of goods carrier auto rickshaws in the state following concerns being raised by various authorities over the mushrooming of such vehicles in the state.

A highly placed source in the transport department informed that various authorities have approached the department to put a moratorium on the registration of goods carrier auto rickshaws, especially in the cities, as it is becoming difficult to provide them with a parking space, operating stands, etc.

He said that there has been a rise in the number of registrations of goods carrier auto rickshaws over the last couple of years due to the surge in business activities, putting the authorities in a spot of bother.

He further said that some municipal councils too have moved resolutions seeking moratorium on the goods carrier auto rickshaws.

When contacted, the chairman of Margao Municipal Council, Mr Savio Coutinho said that the goods carrier auto rickshaws owners have been continuously demanding for the allocation of space for an operating stand for them.

He said it is upto the Collector, Mr G P Naik to do the allocation, however, didn’t comment on moratorium on registration of the goods rickshaws.

The transport official said that the department is considering it in view of the number of requests and a final decision on the same will be taken shortly.

Meanwhile, those seeking to get a driving licence may soon have to undergo an aptitude battery test, as the transport department is thinking over the idea of introducing the system for the issuance of licences which is currently being used to test the aptitude of aviation pilots.

The official informed that the plan came to light as the department officials were discussing how to get the human element out as much as possible while issuing a licence.

He said that if the system is implemented, one would have to give the test before a computer rather than an official adding this would remove the chances of corruption, while issuing a licence.

He also said that some parameters like reflexes of a driver cannot be tested by humans while it can be accurately done with the help a computer. He further said at the moment it is just an idea and the department has to study the feasibility of introducing such a system and added if the system is introduced then it could be possibly be named as driver’s aptitude battery test.