Memorandum submitted to CM highlights steep penalties and e-challan issues
Adv Anil Benake submits a memorandum to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
Belagavi
A delegation from Belagavi, led by former MLA and senior BJP leader Adv Anil Benake, has submitted a memorandum to Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressing concern over the heavy traffic fines being imposed on vehicles from Belagavi and other parts of Karnataka entering Goa.
The delegation sought relief for motorists who are reportedly facing steep penalties for minor traffic violations. The issue is significant as thousands of commuters, tourists and business travellers regularly travel between Goa and the Belagavi border region.
Adv Benake said the Goa Traffic Police have stepped up enforcement and are imposing substantial fines on private and tourist vehicles entering the State. In some cases, penalties for offences such as not having a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate have reportedly gone up to Rs 10,000, causing concern among motorists.
The memorandum also highlighted problems in the current enforcement system, including alleged technical glitches in automated e-challan systems, inadequate traffic signage in some areas, and confusion over speed limits and parking rules. It further stated that heavy penalties on tourist and rented vehicles could affect Goa’s image as a visitor-friendly destination and have an impact on tourism.
The delegation also raised concerns about the financial burden on low-income commuters and daily wage earners who may find it difficult to pay large fines for minor, non-dangerous offences.
It urged the Goa government to introduce a first-time warning system for minor violations, particularly for lapses such as expired PUC certificates and other non-serious offences. Under the proposal, first-time offenders would be issued a warning and advised to comply with traffic regulations instead of being fined immediately.
Chief Minister Sawant assured the delegation that the matter would be examined. He said the government could consider measures to reduce penalties for first-time offenders while ensuring that road safety standards are maintained.
