Strict checks on rent-a-car Ops, govt orders compliance drive

PANAJI
Amid growing concern over a spate of serious road accidents, including fatalities and rising cases of tourist-driven rental vehicles, the Goa government has ordered a crackdown on rent-a-car operators, mandated checks on speed governors and licence compliance, while also announcing stricter enforcement measures across the State.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the State Road Safety Council chaired by Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho at the Secretariat on Tuesday, where officials reviewed ongoing efforts to improve road safety and curb accidents.
Briefing reporters after the meeting, Godinho said recent accidents involving rental vehicles had emerged as a major concern and warranted immediate intervention.
“We have seen accidents taking place with a large number of rent-a-car vehicles operating on our roads. We have decided to launch a drive to ensure all of them have speed governors and that they comply with the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act. We will also verify whether the rent-a-car operators are adhering to the conditions under which their licences were granted. We are going to be very strict, and I have asked the department to take action,” he said.
At the same time, the minister said the State registered encouraging results from measures implemented over the past two years, particularly interventions at black spots and accident-prone stretches.
“Various actions taken by different line departments at black spots and accident-prone areas have resulted in a 17 per cent decrease in the number of road accidents over the last two years. However, we cannot be complacent, and further efforts are required to improve overall road safety and reduce accidents,” he said.
The Council also decided to intensify action against vehicles with illegal tinted glasses, which officials said continue to pose safety and enforcement challenges.
“As we are seeing more and more cars with tinted glasses on our roads, a special drive is going to be launched against such violations so that there are fewer accidents and people drive responsibly,” Godinho said.
The Council also reviewed compliance with road safety directives issued by the Supreme Court, including measures to remove obstructions affecting the free flow of traffic.
“We have to comply with Supreme Court guidelines relating to traffic regulation and the removal of hindrances that affect smooth traffic movement. Illegal structures and encroachments along roadsides will have to be addressed. We will communicate with chief officers, hold meetings and engage with panchayats so that people are aware of the need to comply,” the minister said.
Officials said the meeting also examined pedestrian safety, traffic management measures and strategies to strengthen enforcement across the state as part of a broader effort to reduce road fatalities.