the goan I network
VASCO
While the Zuari bridge was kept closed for all vehicular traffic three hours between 6 am and 9 am on Sunday stating that PWD wanted to record deck levels of the bridge, many motorists were surprised to notice a CCTV camera on the bridge after it was opened for traffic.
The installation of the CCTV camera on the bridge has instilled fear in the minds of motorists.
Several messages started floating on social media stating that the camera was installed to keep a tab on the movement of vehicles and could also be used to check traffic violations, including failure to wear helmets, overtaking on the bridge and non-adherence to the seatbelt rule.
Recently, Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho had blamed indisciplined driving, overspeeding, overtaking and driving in multiple lanes for the cause of regular traffic jam at the Cortalim circle.
Godinho had also announced that the license of a motorist trying to overtake on Zuari bridge or driving in an indisciplined manner would be Immediately cancelled.
While many have appreciated the move, some have started contemplating that the installation of the CCTV camera would also be used to implement the amended MV Act 2019 which had been come into effect on September 1 but was not enforced in Goa till date.
The amended MV Act 2019 calls for hefty fines on violators. Under the amended Act, violations such as drunken driving attract a fine of Rs 10,000 and/or imprisonment of six months to two years.
Penalty for driving without a licence has been increased from Rs 500 and/or imprisonment which may extend to three months to fine of Rs 5,000 and/or imprisonment which may extend to three months.
Not wearing a helmet while riding a two-wheeler can now lead to a fine of Rs 1,000 and disqualification of licence for three months.
When contacted, a source in the Vasco traffic cell confirmed that the CCTV camera was installed on the Zuari bridge to keep a tab on motorists.
“The high-resolution cameras have been set up to keep a tab on rash driving, overtaking and overspeeding on Zuari Bridge. The cameras have been installed to check the causes for traffic jams, the source said. “Sometimes taxis overtake and cause traffic jams but these are never caught. The cameras will help the traffic police in such cases,” he said.
“Social media messages have called for strict action against taxi drivers who overtake and drive rashly. We have heard that cameras have been installed as per directions from Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho. It is an excellent step taken by him. This will reduce rash driving and the subsequent traffic jams,” the source added.
