Team Herald
MARGAO: Even though multi-pronged efforts were made by the Margao Traffic Cell and other police stations in Salcete to educate vehicle owners and drivers on the rules and regulations of Motor Vehicles Act, the traffic violations and disregard to traffic rules and regulations continues in Salcete Taluka.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
In the year 2021, Salcete police booked 26,409 cases under violations of Motor Vehicle Act.
Out of 26,409 cases booked, the highest number of 10,988 was booked by Cuncolim Police; 6,182 by Margao Police followed by 4,659 by Maina-Curtorim, 2,801 by Colva Police and 1,779 by Fatorda Police. During this period, in all 21 fatal accidents took place and 51 other minor accidents were reported in Salcete villages.
Even after booking so many cases, it appears that the main objective of the police drive to bring traffic discipline and better road sense and reduce the rate of accidents appears to have failed.
It is pertinent to note that in January this year, two young constables on duty died in Seraulim while a couple died in Raia.
Margao Traffic Cell which monitors areas of Salcete Taluka have booked several cases last year such as using harsh horns, parking in no parking zones, driving without uniform, over-speeding, etc. Cases of driving in no entry areas, driving a vehicle without licence or permit and driving under the influence of alcohol were also booked. Fines were also imposed where vehicles were found to have no registration plates and faulty number plates.
“Even after booking so many cases there is no reduction in accident rate,” said Milind Raiker of Margao.
One police officer associated with booking cases of Traffic Cell Margao said that among other cases, drivers who did not have the mandatory Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates were also booked.
Other cases involved private vehicles being used as tourist vehicles, no tax remittance challans and vehicles without insurance cover and registration certificates.
No lights, other than those permitted in the Motor Vehicles Rules can be fitted on the vehicles which include spotlights, searchlights, mercury lamps and moving fancy lights. Dome lights are also not permitted, unless specifically authorised but one can see cars, scooters and motorcycles fitted with such lights moving openly in the State thereby breaking the rules.
