the goan I network
PORVORIM
Admitting that changes in traffic management could initially make motorists uncomfortable, Revenue Minsister and Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte has suggested changes to the new traffic arrangement at O’Coqueiro Junction at Porvorim.
Khaunte along with Dy Superintendent of Police (traffic) Dharmesh Angle visited O’Coqueiro Junction on Thursday and observed the new traffic arrangement at O’Coqueiro junction after removal of barricades.
DySP Angle mentioned to Khaunte that since the roundabout at O’Coqueiro junction is small, motorists proceeding towards Defence colony, Torda and Panjim find it difficult to turn right quickly.
Further, motorists do no station their vehicles on the Stop Line on the road but station their vehicles on the Zebra Crossing, making it difficult for pedestrians to cross the road.
During peak hours, long queues of vehicles are seen along the Panjim-Mapusa and Mapusa-Panaji road, with queues reaching up to the Majestic hotel on Panaji side and at Holy Family Church on the Mapusa side, creating resentment among motorists, Angle told Khaunte.
Khaunte responded by saying that when there is change in traffic arrangement, motorists initially feel uncomfortable, but improvisations can be made in this regard and suggested some changes.
He suggested a reduction of pulse timings of traffic signals from 40 seconds to 37 seconds along the Panaji-Mapusa and Mapusa-Panaji highway, from 30 seconds to 25 seconds along the Sangolda“Porvorim road and from existing 20 seconds to 15 seconds on the B B Borkar“Sangolda road.
Reduction in pulse timings of traffic signals on all four sides should reduce traffic congestion, Khaunte said.
Suggesting that traffic signals be converted to numerical instead of the standard ‘Red, Yellow and Green lights’, Khaunte also said that vehicle owners who do not stop their vehicles on the STOP line and park their vehicles on the Zebra Crossing or do not observe directions of traffic signals should be penalised immediately.
This would enable the traffic department to earn additional revenue, while motorists would start observing traffic rules automatically.
He also suggested that traffic police department issue a press note in all newspapers, about the new traffic arrangement at O’Coqueiro Junction.
Khaunte said a further decision may be taken after reviewing the situation on April 17.
