PANAJI
One to three major junctions have been identified in Panaji, Vasco, Mapusa, Margao and Ponda for the first round of this drive.
Speaking to the media at Police Headquarters on Monday, Deputy Inspector General of Police Rupinder Kumar stated, “It is expected of every motorist to respect the right of way of a pedestrian and stop voluntarily at places where pedestrians cross the road. Goa police will shortly be starting a drive to ensure pedestrian right of way at all Zebra crossings, intersections, schools and other educational institutes and the places where pedestrian crossing generally takes place. The defaulting motorist are liable to be prosecuted with a fine of up
to Rs 100.”
DIG Kumar informed that though the fine will not be more than Rs 100 for this offence, once stopped the vehicle will be open for all scrutiny and will be flagged down for all other violations including helmets and non-possession of mandatory documents.
“Pedestrians should feel safe while crossing the road and the motorists should respect this right. The motorists should realise that they will also attempt to cross the road at some point during the day. The right of way means that pedestrians will have the right to cross first and it is the duty of the drivers to allow the pedestrians to pass from a dedicated path where there is a zebra crossing so that he gets his share of the road dues,” DIG Kumar said.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (Traffic) D G P Angle, who also interacted with the media, informed that authorities of the Corporation of City of Panaji have been asked to apply a fresh layer of paint on the zebra crossings in
the capital city in the coming month.
DySP Angle disclosed that although only a couple of pedestrian crossings will be taken up for sensitisation during the drive from Wednesday, 46 zebra crossings have been recommended and notified in Panaji city area alone.
In the run up to this drive, Goa Police have requested the agencies concerned to put up cautionary signages in English and Konkani near these zebra crossings so as to prepare the motorists mentally to slow down while crossing these spots.
Meanwhile, voicing the pressing need for more traffic signals in Goa, DIG Kumar stated, “There is a tremendous increase in the traffic and there is a need for traffic signals. The matter is under examination and we will come up with a proposal for more
traffic signals.”
