Dear Members,

It's my immense pleasure to inform you that WIAA has introduced Simulator Training in Ahmedabad, with a car and truck simulator. As the simulator replicates real-life driving scenarios, it familiarizes the learner with the vehicle controls and traffic rules, before he hits the road. This ensures safety, not only for the cars and trucks, but for the learner as well.

WIAA is very thankful to Shri. Amit Shah, Honourable Minister of State - Home & Transport, Shri. H. K. Dash, IAS, Secretary - Ports & Transport and Shri. Guruprasad Mohapatra, IAS, Transport Commissioner, Gujarat for their guidance and support in setting up this Simulator Training programme. Government of Gujarat has authorized WIAA to issue Learner's Licenses throughout the State of Gujarat.

The Maharashtra Government had increased the life time tax by 100% on individual cars and by 200% on company vehicles. WIAA has pleaded with the Government authorities to reduce this burden, which is too high, on the motorists.

The Government has in principle agreed to reduce the tax for company vehicles and the announcement for the same is expected very soon.

Also, this year WIAA has organized and participated in various rallies and auto-shows, which have been a great success, due to the active participation and enthusiasm of our members.

Hopping for a grand success with the new ventures.

Dear Members,

Our Association is vibrant, full of activities and innovations as can be seen in this'MOTORING'issue.

Every day around 250 new vehicles are registered in the Mumbai City and so the responsibility of the Association is increasing in proportion to the increase in population of people and vehicles.

Road user safety is of paramount importance and the Government alone cannot single handedly tackle this problem without the supportive services of non-governmental organisations such as ours.

Our association is striving its best to create awareness to the road user about their safety. Uneducated pedestrians and children are vulnerable and they need guidance.

Safety education and training to the children should be taught from the beginning of their career and if possible make it compulsory to learn the road safety signs and inculcate the habit of being careful on the road.

I am sure with your support and encouragement we will be able to achieve road safety programme successfully.