VASCO
Those driving light vehicles and two-wheelers on the lane reserved for heavy vehicles on the new Zuari Bridge were in for a surprise after being caught and penalised in a surprise drive by the Traffic Police led by SP (Traffic) Bossuet Silva and Vasco Traffic PI Shailesh Narvekar.
Incidentally, a police jeep was also found violating the traffic rule and the police driver was penalised by the traffic police.
SP Silva was personally seen stopping all vehicles and explaining to them that the lane was meant only for heavy vehicles while the light vehicles moving towards Verna or Margao had to move on the old Zuari Bridge which was a one-way lane. Some motorists claimed that they had been first timers on the wrong lane of the new Zuari bridge.
The traffic police imposed a fine of Rs 500 on 144 motorists for violating the traffic rule and issued notices to 130 motorists who were in a rush to reach their destinations. A Vasco Traffic Cell team was stationed to issue the challans.
The traffic police collected Rs 72,000 as fines from vehicles, while the department is expected to get another Rs 65,000 in fines from vehicles who were issued notices.
SP Silva also did not spare an ATS police jeep driver, who was unaware of the surprise drive being conducted by the SP and the Vasco Traffic Cell.
SP Silva went on to insist that the law was applicable to everyone and said he had also fined the driver of the police jeep.
Speaking to reporters, Silva said two traffic staff had been placed at the Agassaim side of the new Zuari bridge, but some unknown motorist almost killed them when they tried to stop the vehicle from moving on the new Zuari bridge.
"I can't risk the lives of cops and hence, I decided to personally come on the new Zuari Bridge and challan the vehicles. There are signages and there is also a notification that one lane moving towards Margao is opened only for heavy vehicles and there is no excuse for vehicles moving on this lane of the new Zuari bridge,” said SP Silva.
“People are fully aware and if they still want to move on this road, they will have to pay the fine because Goans cannot disrespect the law and take the police for granted. Such drives will be carried out regularly. We will also place cops at the start of the new Zuari bridge," said Silva.
The surprise drive was later called off after there was a huge line of vehicles causing a traffic jam.
Vasco Traffic PI Shailesh Narvekar said despite the barricading and signages, many motorists continued to use the new Zuari Bridge to move towards Margao.
"This is very dangerous and accidents have also been reported on the new bridge as well. We have tried explaining to motorists time and again without imposing any challan, but motorists have not paid heed to our requests, forcing us to conduct this drive,” he said.
