the goan I network
VASCO
A drive against motorists riding two-wheelers without helmets in different parts of the port town turned ugly on Tuesday afternoon, when an angry crowd confronted the traffic police over the fines.
According to reports, a woman rider was stopped at Cine Vasco junction by the traffic police and was asked for documents of the two-wheeler, but she was subsequently fined for not wearing a helmet in the city. The agitated woman rider then began arguing with the traffic police and sought to know why she had been fined when many other riders had not been penalised for riding without helmets.
The angry woman rider also offered to pay a fine of Rs 1,000, provided every person riding without helmet would be fined as well.
Noticing the woman arguing with the traffic police, a crowd of onlookers also joined in the argument and began questioning the traffic police over the sudden implementation of fines for not wearing helmets in the city.
The angry crowd gheraoed the traffic officials at the site and demanded that the rules be relaxed for city limits, where the speed limit was less. They also sought to know why the traffic police had failed to fine overloaded and overspeeding heavy vehicles in Vasco city. Some MMC councillors also joined the crowd.
Fearing public backlash and anticipating a law and order problem, the Vasco police was alerted and a police team rushed to the site to disperse the crowd.
Though no offence was registered in the incident, Vasco Traffic PI Roy Pereira has said the drive would continue against those found riding without helmets.
Speaking to reporters, MMC Councillor and Vasco Congress leader Saifullah Khan termed the use of helmets on city roads as public harassment.
“This is not a highway and the speed limit is restricted. Today, traffic police has begun harassing people and fining people at random. If government officials start acting as per their whims and fancies, what is the common man supposed to do?”
Taking a political view of the incident, Khan added: “Our Congress party never indulged in harassing public, but this BJP government has become anti-people and should be shown the door.”
NCP Minority Chairperson Nazir Khan said some time must be given before implementing the drive against those found riding without helmets.
“I have been fined and I paid without protest as I have violated the rules. But the government should have an awareness drive before enforcing this helmet rule. A minimum of one week must be given before a new drive is initiated. The traffic police must not spare anyone and I have noticed that a lot of people are let go while anyone who is slow is stopped,” said Nazir Khan.
Drive to continue as helmets are
compulsory even in city: Traffic PI
VASCO: Vasco Traffic Police Inspector Roy Pereira on Tuesday said the drive against those motorists riding without helmets would continue since it is mandatory to wear helmets while riding in city or outside the city limits. “The rule is very clear, motorists must wear a helmet every time they ride a two-wheeler,” said PI Pereira.
After if an awareness drive was necessary before enforcing the rule, PI Pereira replied in the negative. “I don’t think there is any need for an awareness drive because this rule is existing ever since the Motor Vehicle Act came into existence.”
“Besides, we have also been conducting various awareness programmes in all educational institutions, companies, central government organizations, private companies, etc,” he added.
