PANJIM: The Congress across the country has raised its voice against the hefty fines under the amended Motor Vehicle Act; however, the party wing in Goa said the same should be implemented once the basic infrastructure is put in order. 

The Congress Legislative Party on Monday at its first meeting under the leadership of Digambar Kamat raised strong apprehensions over the implementation of new traffic rules in absence of proper roads and infrastructure. 

Addressing media persons after the meet, Kamat said, “We are of the clear view that unless basic infrastructure such as signboards and proper roads are put in place, the new traffic rule should not be implemented.” 

"I had urged Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho to defer the implementation of new traffic rules till basic infrastructure is made available to the public for safe, secure and smooth driving and ensure safety of pedestrians," Kamat said. 

Stating that he is of the firm opinion that all those who use roads should strictly follow the rules, Kamat said that the Act also holds officials responsible who fail to provide proper roads.  

Responding to question on whether he feels that the hefty fines need to be revised, Kamat said the government has taken a decision on these fines following a series of consultations and after being vetted by the Select Committee. "If the Parliament has taken a stand and passed the law, we cannot have a different opinion. We stand by it," he said. 

Transport Minister has already announced that the new rules will be implemented in Goa from January 2020, once the roads are cleared off potholes. 

Meanwhile, CLP also congratulated ISRO team and its chairman K Sivan for the historic Chandrayan-2 attempt. 

The party wing also paid tributes to former minister Victoria Fernandes, who passed away on Saturday.