Latest news with #RTOs
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Book HSRP appointment before June 16, else risk denial of key services
Nagpur: Despite repeated directives from the Maharashtra transport commissioner, a majority of vehicle owners in Nagpur are yet to install High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) on vehicles registered before April 1, 2019. Now, the state transport department has warned that vehicle owners who have not fitted the HSRP plates will be denied key services after June 16. Vehicle owners who have booked appointment for HSRP fitment before this date have been exempted. On June 2, transport commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar issued a order directing all Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) in the state to stop processing ownership transfers, address change in registration certificates, hypothecation entries and removals, duplicate RC issuance, vehicle modification entries, and NOCs for vehicles that are not fitted with HSRP. "Only those vehicle owners who have a valid appointment for HSRP installation will be exempted. Renewal of fitness certificates for transport vehicles and registration certificate renewals for private vehicles are currently not included in this restriction," the order stated. HSRP installation was made mandatory under Rule 50 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR), 1989. The new number plates come with unique serial numbers, holograms and are tamper-proof, ensuring better tracking and security. However, several issues are hampering compliance. Many motorists complain about the cumbersome online appointment procedure and a long waiting list at dealer fitment centres. There are also reports of some dealers charging exorbitant fees, despite clear instructions that no additional charges should be levied. Furthermore, in violation of norms, some dealers are affixing the plates using screws instead of the mandatory permanent fixtures. The transport department has also clarified that imitation HSRP plates — those that merely display holograms, the 'IND' mark, or words like 'INDIA'— will not be considered valid unless they are issued by an authorised manufacturer and updated on the VAHAN portal. Owners of such vehicles risk being fined Rs1,000 under Section 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Out of the 16.71 lakh vehicles registered in Nagpur district before April 1, 2019, only around 21.6% are fitted with valid HSRPs. Among the three RTOs in the district, the Nagpur Rural RTO has recorded the highest compliance so far, with 1.20 lakh out of 5.62 lakh vehicles fitted with the new plates. Officials expressed concern over the widespread disregard for the regulation and indicated that there will be strict enforcement of the order after June 16. Vehicle owners who fail to comply risk not just monetary penalties but also being barred from essential vehicle-related services.
Associated Press
7 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Texas Industry Is Booming—But Its Emissions Crisis Is Catching Up
With enforcement accelerating and industrial growth outpacing infrastructure, Texas manufacturers face a make-or-break moment. DALLAS, TX, UNITED STATES, May 28, 2025 / / -- Texas is building an empire—but one that's now under inspection. In 2025, the Lone Star State surpassed every global economy but seven. With a GDP now larger than Russia, South Korea, and Brazil, Texas isn't just an American powerhouse—it's an industrial juggernaut. From petrochemicals and semiconductors to food packaging, plastics, coatings, and precision electronics, nearly every sector is expanding. Warehouse footprints are doubling, output is scaling, and entire industrial parks are rising seemingly overnight. But behind that success story is a mounting concern: emissions. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has issued a clear warning. In 2024 alone, the agency conducted 10,500+ site investigations, issued a record number of NOEs and NOVs (notices of enforcement/violation), and committed to intensifying oversight in high-growth zones like Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and the Gulf Coast corridor. Air quality violations are on the rise across virtually every industrial sector, not just oil and gas. Facilities in semiconductors, coatings, EPS molding, solar manufacturing, printing, and flexographic packaging are all facing heightened scrutiny. Many still operate with legacy emissions systems that no longer meet today's regulatory thresholds for VOC and NOx destruction. With compliance deadlines fast approaching, recent guidance from both the EPA and TCEQ now emphasizes the need for 98%+ destruction efficiency, low-NOx output, and thermal uniformity to ensure full oxidation. Facilities that can't demonstrate this performance risk enforcement actions, delayed permits, or even operational shutdowns. This has become a critical inflection point as companies now face a stark choice: invest in scalable pollution control—or risk noncompliance notices, permit delays, shutdowns, and public backlash. While many are just now realizing the collision between growth and oversight, Ship & Shore Environmental (S&SE) a Long Beach-based engineering firm, has spent the past decade quietly installing high-efficiency VOC abatement systems across Texas's most emission-heavy sectors. 'We've been preparing for this exact moment,' said Anoosheh Oskouian, CEO of Ship & Shore Environmental. 'As enforcement accelerates, the companies we work with aren't panicking—they're ahead of the curve. Texas continues to prove that industrial growth and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. We are proud to work with forward-thinking companies across the state who are not only complying with regulations, but leading the charge in sustainable manufacturing and clean energy innovation. Our mission is to help them reduce emissions without compromising performance during this growth period for the Lone Star State. Ship & Shore's Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers (RTOs), customized capture systems, and emissions control retrofits are a few of the ways that S&SE are helping manufacturers stay ahead of compliance demands from TCEQ, the EPA, and local municipalities. Designed and built in America, these systems reduce VOCs and hazardous pollutants without sacrificing operational performance—qualifying many clients for energy efficiency incentives in the process. Some of these systems are already operating across key regions of Texas, delivering destruction efficiencies above 98%, flexible turndown ratios, and modular designs adaptable to facilities of all sizes. Beyond core industries, Ship & Shore also serves specialized operations such as barge degassing, biomass recovery, and food Industry—tailoring each system to local emissions permits, process constraints, and sustainability objectives. In an environment where outdated equipment is routinely flagged, several inspectors have described the presence of these systems as 'music to their ears.' 'Regulators want proof, not promises' added Oskouian 'and systems that deliver it are few and far between. That's why S&SE has proudly served for over 25 years as a catalyst—a partner bridging the gap between regulation and industry.' With both newly planned and operational systems already passing inspections across Texas they are poised and ready. While others brace for enforcement, S&SE's clients are running stable, compliant, and prepared—proof that with the right engineering, this moment doesn't have to be a crisis. It can be a turning point. About Ship & Shore Environmental, Inc. Ship & Shore Environmental, Inc. is a Long Beach, California-based, woman-owned business that has been solely owned and organically grown since its founding in 2000. For 25 years, the company has specialized in design, engineering, and fabrication of air pollution control systems for industrial manufacturers. S&SE delivers fully customized clean air solutions for industries such as flexographic printing, EPS molding, automotive, semiconductors, and more—helping clients meet stringent environmental regulations while improving operational efficiency. With complete in-house capabilities and a customer-focused, full-service approach that spans concept to compliance, S&SE is trusted worldwide for delivering sustainable, made-in-America technology. With leadership that serves on the South Coast AQMD BACT (Best Available Control Technology) Committee, S&SE offers unmatched regulatory insight and a higher level of environmental innovation. All solutions are engineered, built, and supported proudly in-house in the U.S.A. Learn more at Beatriz Arana EnergíaComm, Corp. [email protected] Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Otago Daily Times
18-05-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Tourism groups step up joint work
The Queenstown and Wānaka regional tourism organisations (RTOs) are working together more than ever, creating, it is claimed, both efficiencies and more marketing clout. The co-operation even extends to their leadership, where Destination Queenstown chief executive Mat Woods is now also chief executive of Lake Wānaka Tourism after the latter's head of destination stepped down in March. On July 1, Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism will also operate with the same annual plan. Mr Woods said better co-operation between the organisations had been discussed for 10-plus years. Then, during Covid, both organisations, together with the council, produced a destination management plan. Last year, the two bodies entered a shared-services agreement where data, administration and trade and business events marketing are shared between the two. "It makes sense because when you think about when the trade team goes to America, why would you send someone from Queenstown and someone from Wānaka, when we could actually send one person to talk about both regions?" Now, the two organisations had adopted a fully shared services partnership, which also embraced all their marketing, media and communications activity. "We still have two offices, but it's one lot of staff," Mr Woods said. "There's 31 RTOs in the whole of New Zealand, and we do know the current minister of tourism has said that's too many. So we're ... showing how you can work together."
Otago Daily Times
16-05-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Promo bodies move closer
Mat Woods is now chief executive of Destination Queenstown and Lake Wanaka Tourism. PHOTO: SUPPLIED The Queenstown and Wanaka regional tourism organisations (RTOs) are working together more than ever, creating, it's claimed, both efficiencies and more marketing clout. The cooperation even extends to their leadership, where Destination Queenstown's (DQ) chief executive Mat Woods is now also chief exec of Lake Wanaka Tourism (LWT). He took that dual role when LWT's head of destination stepped down in March. And, as of July 1, DQ and LWT will also operate with the same annual plan. Woods says better cooperation between the RTOs — which exist, unusually, within the same Queenstown Lakes District Council boundaries — has been discussed for 10-plus years. Then, during Covid, both organisations, together with council, produced a destination management plan. Following that, DQ and LWT last year entered a shared services agreement where data insights, HR and admin and trade and business events marketing are now shared between the two. Woods: "And it makes sense because when you think about when the trade team goes to America, why would you send someone from Queenstown and someone from Wanaka, when we could actually send one person to talk about both regions?" Now, DQ and LWT have adopted a fully shared services partnership, which also embraces all their marketing, media and communications activity. "We still have two offices, but it's one lot of staff," Woods says. "There's 31 RTOs in the whole of New Zealand, and we do know the current Minister of Tourism has said that's too many. So we're ... showing how you can work together." Wood says as operational efficiencies are being made, "there is more to be able to spend on marketing, promotion and member capability". DQ and LWT are keeping separate offices and boards — "we want to ensure we retain the two distinctive brands", Woods says.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Inspect vehicle fitness centres applied for ATS conversion: HC
1 2 Jaipur: Rajasthan High Court Tuesday directed the state transport department to ensure the inspection of vehicle fitness centres that applied for conversion into Automated Testing Stations (ATS) within 30 days and to expedite decisions on their pending applications. The order came in response to a petition filed by private fitness centre owners challenging the state govt's decision to close all 83 fitness centres operating in Rajasthan from April closure followed directions from the ministry of road transport and highways, which asked states to conduct vehicle fitness tests only at automated centres to minimise human intervention and manipulation. The petitioners argued that 30 of the 83 fitness centres already applied for conversion to ATS and invested significantly to upgrade their facilities with automated testing equipment. They contended that the govt failed to decide on these applications or issue guidelines and instead abruptly closed the centres without any formal order. They said their centres were operating under all govt guidelines issued in Kumar Sogarwal, counsel for the petitioners, informed the court that the fitness centres also sought an order preventing RTOs and DTOs from conducting manual vehicle inspections while their ATS applications were pending. The petitioners pointed out that the ministry of road transport and highways directed states to speed up the approval and operationalisation of ATS and phase out manual testing. Despite this, from April 1, their authorisations were withdrawn even though many had valid permissions to run fitness centres until June and Oct 2025.
