PANAJI
In a sudden reversal of decision, the government has postponed the implementation of the e-challan system, which was originally slated to commence from midnight on May 22.
Addressing reporters outside the official residence of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday, Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho emphasised the need for public awareness and education before the e-challan system is put into effect.
“Until appropriate signages are in place alerting the commuters that they have reached the area monitored by the cameras, and people are adequately informed about the new system, its implementation will be postponed. I have told them (Transport Department) to issue advertisements only after that we can start implementation,” he said.
Transport officials on May 4 announced their plan to implement electronic monitoring of traffic violations at 13 significant locations in Panaji, Merces junction, Porvorim and Dona Paula from May 22 midnight. The Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) will automatically detect traffic offenses and issue e-challans via SMS to the registered mobile number of the vehicle owner involved in the violation.
The Electronic Enforcement system is fitted with state-of-the-art cameras and sensors to identify any violations including overspeeding, red light jumping, lane-cutting, etc.
The decision came against the backdrop of rising accidents in the State, majority of which are due to negligent driving, overspeeding, non-wearing of helmet and drunken driving.
Obtaining a learner’s license to no longer be a simple task!
The transport department has proposed to enhance road safety and instill discipline among riders/drivers by implementing stricter regulations for obtaining licenses, including learners’ licenses.
“The new rules will require individuals to not only possess comprehensive knowledge of traffic signs but also demonstrate adherence to road discipline. The objective behind these measures is to prevent accidents, as the prevalence of speeding and drunk driving among other violations has seen a rise in the State, leading to a rise in accidents,” the minister said.
