Bangalore: More than seven lakh commercial vehicles went off the roads in Karnataka on Saturday as the operators launched an indefinite strike in protest against the mandatory installation of speed governors (a device to control speed) for all commercial vehicles.

"Over 90 per cent of the vehicles are off the road. Others will join now. The protest will gain further momentum and become more strong from Monday," B V Narayanappa, Secretary of the Federation of Karnataka Lorry Owners and Agents Association, said here.

Cab operators have also joined the strike, which began last night. Transporters of essential commodities have, however, been exempted from the purview of the stir.

The Karnataka High Court had on February 12 directed the state government to ensure that all commercial vehicles plying in the state were fitted with speed governors by June 30.

The transporters have cited practical difficulties in installing the speed governors. They claimed that while the cost of a speed governor is around Rs 3,000 in Delhi, it's as high as Rs 16,000 in Karnataka. They also pointed out that installation of speed governors had not been mandatory throughout the country.

In addition, lakhs of inter-state commercial vehicles had expressed inability to enter Karnataka, as they are not fitted with speed governors, which are not mandatory in their home states.

"We are not against the high court order. But the government has not informed the court about the practical difficulties," a federation official said.

Government officials said the state machinery was geared to face the situation and, if necessary, vehicles carrying essential commodities would be given protection.

Source : PTI