Team Herald
MARGAO: A significant number of traffic policemen from the Curchorem Traffic Cell, stationed along the Chandor-Shelvon-Curchorem road, have come under public criticism for causing traffic congestion while checking vehicles for violations.
According to complaints from locals, around seven to eight traffic officers, including a PSI, ASI, and female constables, regularly stop vehicles on this busy stretch to inspect documents and issue challans for traffic rule violations. The officers reportedly stand in groups on both sides of the road, stopping heavy vehicles and conducting checks, often leaving little space for other vehicles to pass, leading to traffic jams.
Heavy vehicles, particularly those carrying goods or sand, are frequently stopped for document verification, which adds to the congestion, as these large vehicles occupy much of the road while parked. This has created difficulties for other road users, especially scooter and car riders, trying to navigate the narrow space left on the road.
Residents have voiced concerns that vehicles, including those already checked on previous days, are repeatedly stopped, causing delays and frustration among motorists. One citizen from Curchorem shared that his vehicle was stopped and checked multiple times in a single week, despite no violations.
Many vehicle owners have engaged in arguments with the traffic personnel, questioning the necessity of being stopped frequently. Commuters, particularly those traveling to work in Curchorem and Sanguem, have expressed frustration, with some planning to meet the Deputy Superintendent of Police (Traffic) to address their grievances. They have also questioned why the traffic checks are concentrated at this specific location near Shelvon, rather than being distributed across Curchorem.