VIBHA VERMA
vibha@herald-goa.com
The one-way traffic across 17 major streets in the capital has fetched a positive response from citizens even as traffic police have begun issuing challans to violators after the notification last week.
Since October 28, when the government notified the one-way traffic, as many as 100 violators have so far been fined for entering wrong lanes. However, a major hiccup for the traffic cell is a shortage of staff as a result of which some vehicle users intentionally break the rules.
Deputy Superintendent of Traffic Police (North Goa) Dharmesh Angle conceded the staff crunch while quickly stating they are successfully carrying out the drive.
Police Inspector Sudesh Velip echoed a similar view stating, “During the trial period that continued for over a month, we had drawn personnel from different units. They are back to their respective parent units. We are now adjusting with the existing staff.”
The traffic department had exempted challaning violators during the trial phase from September 1 till the issuance of the notification on October 28. Angle said the violators are being identified and fined accordingly. The fine starts from Rs 100 and extends to Rs 600 and more.
The Corporation of the City of Panjim, in collaboration with the Traffic Department had implemented the one-way plan in a bid to reduce traffic congestion in the city. The trial period, which was earlier fixed for one month, was extended till a final consensus to permanently implement the scheme was taken.
The residents have hailed the change stating it has brought about discipline on the road and has also reduced the risk of accidents. However, they want a solution to the traffic congestion on the commercial street – 18 June Road.
“The traffic chaos is controlled on many streets except for 18 June Road. The street gets congested all through the day, and the peak hours are terrible. The bad condition of the road adds to the woes. Nonetheless, the one-way concept is applaudable,” Sneha Korgaonkar, a trainee lawyer said.
Another Panjim resident, Rohan D’Sa commended the government’s move suggesting it should be replicated in other major towns of the State. “Panjim, like Margao has thousands of vehicles entering on daily basis. The concept of one-way has paid off so far. It should be implemented in other parts of the State too,” he said.
NGO GOACAN Convener, Roland Martins had a similar view while also recommending to prominently display a road map for the benefit of the non-Panjim residents and tourists.
“Considering the movement of traffic in the city, this is a workable solution and we are also thinking that it should be for other towns as well. It comes as a big relief for the pedestrians especially while crossing the road. The system has imbibed discipline among the vehicle users, but more than anything else, it has bought about the effective use of roads for the pedestrians,” he commented.
Martins added that for the new system to be understood by the people, the authorities should create awareness. “With International Film Festival of India approaching, a map on the diversions can be displayed at public places. It will be of great help for the non-city residents and tourists, and to those who are visiting the city after a long period,” he said.
