PANJIM: Minister for Transport, Mauvin Godinho is still unsure about Motor Vehicle Act enforcement in the State. After chairing the meeting of State Road Safety Council (SRSC) on Wednesday, Godinho told reporters Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to decide about when to discuss it with his cabinet colleagues.
“The SRCM meeting has unanimously recommended that MV Act be implemented as soon as possible for the purpose of the safety. We should follow the law in letter and spirit just like the rest of the country,” he said.
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When further asked if any specific date has been assumed for enforcement of the Act, , Godinho steers clear that SRSC is only a recommendatory body but he will again raise the issue before the CM. “I will again put it up before the cabinet, this is the only assurance I can give… I will only speak to the CM, it is up to him to put it up (before the cabinet) or not and get it passed or whatever,” he stated.
Godinho reiterated that under the MV Act fine amount will be reduced to minimum in Goa but emphasised that strict implementation of the act will weigh heavily upon unruly tourists on road.
“We don’t want to tax the citizen, don’t want to create a problem for them even by mistake. It’s simple – you don’t violate the law, you don’t pay the fine. You are safe, your family is safe and the State feels good about it,” he said adding, “Tourists should not take the situation in Goa for granted since other states have already enforced the Act.”
GOACAN co-ordinator Roland Martins, also a member of the Council, supported the implementation of the Act. “We want to get the Act because not introducing it will create ambiguity in the minds of the people,” he said.
The minister further said that 24 accident prone dark spots were identified in the State, of which 14 have already been resolved by widening of roads, National Highway and augmentation of roads, etc. The council has been asked to submit the timeline for rectification of the remaining 10 black spots.
Martins added that that the forum has suggested projection ‘to look ahead and find a solution.’ GOACAN has also insisted for strengthening last mile connectivity.
In the wake of opposition from the people over expansion of roads across many stretches, the transport minister suggests for constructing fly-overs to ease congestion. “Wherever it is not possible to widen the roads, we should have a fly over. The traffic is expanding with expanding population; and when you know you cannot demolish houses on both the sides, naturally you have to move on to the top and that’s a fly over,” he explained.
