PANAJI
The problem of the unruly behaviour of tourists on the roads has increased and so also accidents of self-driven cars -- a contentious issue raised by the legislators across the party lines in the ongoing assembly session.
A video of a woman tourist driving topless on the famous Parra road to a group of male tourists driving a car with all the doors open, performing stunts on busy roads, and even driving cars on beaches have been making news in Goa, all of which have prompted a debate whether traffic rules are not stringent.
While some are identified and penalized, after the videos go viral on social media, others escape police action.
In separate replies to MLAs Vijai Sardesai and MLA Viresh Borkar on the floor of the House, Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho said that in one incident, tourists driving GA -03-C-9203 were identified and traced, after which a fine of Rs 22,500 was imposed whereas in two other incidents involving GA07-T-0228 and GA-04-T-1047, a fine of Rs 20,500 was imposed and show cause notice issued respectively.
Several such incidents, police said, have also resulted in accidents. From 2018 to 2022, a total of 317 rent-a-cars were involved in accidents. The numbers have grown over the years given that in 2018, accidents of 72 rental cabs were recorded, followed by 56 in 2019, 43 accidents in 2020, 70 in 2021 and 76 in 2022.
The government also claimed that strict action is taken in respect of driving under the influence of alcohol. From the year 2022 till June 2023, a total number of 2046 violations were detected and 1512 driving licenses were forwarded to the Competent Authority for suspension while 1667 prosecutions were launched against the drivers.
“Capacity building of field enforcement staff is being done by providing additional equipment, that is, 70 Breath Analyser/Alcometer of which 20 are already handed over to police. Vahan 4.0 integration on all India level is completed by the Department wherein challans can be issued to any vehicle registered across the country,” Minister Godinho replied to the question by Borkar.
