MAPUSA
The fortnight-long road safety special drive for traffic violations came for severe criticism from travelling public, after traffic cops and Road Transport officers stopped them at various places and issued challans for traffic violations in Bardez.
Most riders who were unaware of the drive were caught on the wrong foot and had to face the inconvenience of having to waste time to pay fines or to unnecessary argue over the drive.
“Did the government or RTO officials issue a notice in the newspapers about the ongoing drive on traffic violation? How are we the public supposed to know,” questioned Joaquim Pinto, a resident of Mapusa, who was issued a challan for not wearing a helmet on a village road.
“I was always under the impression that helmets are compulsory only on highways,” he rued and wanted the government and the department to be proactive in disseminating information to public.
According to GOACAN coordinator Roland Martins, it is not mandatory for authorities to issue a notice on the special drive by the RTO.
“Why should the government issue notice to implement a law? Our Goans should change their mindset and start wearing helmets on all roads, even on village roads,” Martins said.
He said the State has registered steep rise in road mishaps and on most occasions the victims have been two-wheeler riders, who were found riding without helmets.
Mapusa Police Inspector Roy Pereira said a total of 1,112 persons were booked for various offences in Mapusa and surrounding areas on first day of the special drive on Friday.
Of the total, a whopping 1,023 were issued challans for not wearing helmets, 14 without licence, five for rash driving and remaining in others.
“Although a lot of riders were upset and started arguing against the drive, we managed to persuade them,” Pereira said. “Wearing of helmets is compulsory on all roads. Many people are under the impression that it’s only on highways, which is false,” he added.
He said the special drive will continue until April 30 and traffic police will continue the drive even thereafter.
