PANAJI
Stepping up visibility and checks to curb rash and drunken driving as tourists thronged Goa for New Year celebrations, the Goa Traffic Police intensified enforcement on highways, major junctions and other key locations across the State.
The measures, in place since December 23, saw the deployment of more than 1,000 traffic police personnel, with staff working in three shifts to ensure round-the-clock coverage during the festive period.
On New Year’s Eve, special nakabandis were carried out in coordination with district police to deter drunken driving, reckless behaviour and other traffic violations on the roads.
SP (Traffic) Prabodh Shirvoikar told The Goan the thrust of the drive was on prevention, visibility and swift enforcement, rather than action taken after accidents or violations had occurred.
Key highway and traffic monitoring points were also identified, including those around Panaji and in industrial and commercial hubs.
Shirvoikar said the sustained deployment is aimed at reducing accidents during the holiday rush and ensuring safer travel for residents and tourists alike. Motorists have been urged to cooperate with enforcement teams and strictly follow traffic rules during the celebrations with the deployment likely till this weekend.
The Traffic police had earlier this week also issued a detailed traffic advisory for the New Year period with special emphasis on the narrow lanes of Calangute–Baga belt, Vasco, Colva and Canacona.
