Team Herald
MARGAO: Frustrated by persistent traffic congestion and frequent accidents, residents of Navelim have submitted a petition to the government and relevant authorities, demanding strict enforcement of traffic restrictions on heavy vehicles along National Highway 66 (NH 66) during peak hours.
Agnelo Mendonca, a resident of Sinquetim-Navelim, sent a letter on Monday to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and other officials, highlighting a notification dated 1st January 2023, which clearly prohibits heavy vehicles from plying during peak hours—specifically from 7 to 8 am and 12.30 to 1 pm.
“Despite this notification, heavy vehicles continue to operate freely during peak hours, causing severe traffic congestion in Navelim,” Mendonca wrote in his letter.
Mendonca further alleged that although traffic police personnel are often present along NH 66, they fail to enforce the restriction, allowing heavy vehicles to pass during the prohibited hours.
“This ongoing issue has caused significant inconvenience to the public. On several occasions, I have personally witnessed traffic police ignoring or failing to take appropriate action against heavy vehicles during peak hours,” he added.
Despite multiple complaints from villagers and media reports urging action, Mendonca stated that no concrete measures have been taken to address the problem.