NTA Part II

Recently, a reader in l?express-outlook related his experience ? rather tongue in cheek - when he checked in at the NTA in Forest Side. His findings did not go far enough. Had he investigated further, he would have noticed that the average number of vehicles tested there, revolves around 366 daily.

I ask you, how is it possible to check these cars properly? It works out to some 50 odd cars per hour. What has happened to the idea of getting the fitness test carried out at some designated garages? And beware if you do not leave a Rs 100 note tucked in your Registration Book ? colloquially and affectionately known as the Horse Power.

There was recently an unfortunate accident, when it was found that the driver had a medical record of heart complications. A medical certificate is all that is required to drive a car when you are over 60.

In Sweden, doctors are authorised to report on their patient drivers, if they feel they are a menace to others. Can you see this happening in Mauritius? And are we surprised that there are so many potential dangers on our roads?

A responsible driver

Scotland, first to show interest in hosting Games

Scotland is keener than ever to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Although the final decision will only be made in Sri Lanka in November 2007, Scotland is already getting ready for the tough competition ahead.

The First minister Jack McConnell, Louise Martin of the Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland and the leader of Glasgow City Council, Steven Purcell, have signed a document where it is stated that Scotland accepts the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) nomination. This letter was accompanied by a commitment to pay a non-refundable deposit of £60,000 on acknowledgment of their acceptance as a candidate city by the CGF.

Speaking at the signature of the document, the First minister said, ?Today is a hugely significant day in the race to 2014. Scotland was the first country to declare its interest in hosting the Games ? and we were the first country to nominate its preferred city. Now we are the first country to officially lodge our bid with the Commonwealth Games Federation.?

He also pointed out the benefits of such games being held in his country, ?Bringing the 2014 Games to Scotland would bring benefits to our whole country. We will have a quality bid, one that will deliver an event that will be the envy of the world. This is going to be a tough contest though, and we need to stay one step ahead of the competition.?