Team Herald
PANJIM: Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho on Wednesday said the government has kept minimum fines for traffic violators even as the implementation of the amended Motor Vehicles Act was mandatory.
Godinho was speaking to media persons at presentation on new traffic rules organised by the Directorate of Transport at the Minister’s Block, Porvorim.
Speaking further Godinho informed that the purpose of implementing the Amended Motor Vehicle Act is not only to generate revenue but it is in accordance with the Central Motor Vehicle Act. He said, in fact Goa delayed the implementation of the Act due to COVID-19 pandemic crisis.
“As per amended Motor Vehicles Act, fine ranges from Rs 500 and Rs 1 lakh. But we have kept it at bare minimum because the intention of the government is not to pinch the people. It is intended to bring traffic discipline on road,” Godinho said adding that it was unfortunate that Leader of the Opposition Digambar Kamat was scoring brownie points over the amended Act.
Godinho said though the new traffic rules and fines were supposed to be enforced from April 16, it will now be implemented from May 1 as the Transport Department officials will hold interaction with the people and explain them the need to bring traffic discipline on roads.
“I have told RTO and police not to be harsh initially. They will be lax for next three months and I have told them to be humane while implementing the new rules and fines for at least three months,” he said.
According to Godinho, the Motor Vehicles Act was amended several times. However, 2019 amendments have brought major changes due to technological up gradation emerging in the road transport, passenger, freight movement and vehicle management.
The minister said though the new Act envisages steep hike in imposing penalties it is intended to bring in much needed discipline amongst the road users. This exercise, he said will also go a long way in reducing accidents and bring in discipline among the road users.
The minister also highlighted the imperative need to create greater awareness amongst the road users and general public about the amendment of the Motor Vehicle Act. This, he said will significantly help to save precious lives caused due to major road accidents.
Godinho also urged the public to be more disciplined and follow traffic rules and regulations. People often do not follow traffic rules and then blame the RTO officials and the government.
“We must change our mindset and look at the positive aspects of these rules and regulations. They are made for our betterment,” he asserted.
Director of Transport Rajan Satardekar and other officers attached to the directorate were also present.
