Traffic police book over 6,800 within 11 days for violations, collect Rs 50L in fines

Panaji: Goa traffic police booked more than 6,840 persons for various offences and collected over Rs 50 lakh in fines during a special drive held from September 14 to 25 to instill discipline among road users. Also, 101 cases of drunken driving were booked.
The traffic police said that they intend to continue the drive to bring order on Goan roads in view of a rise in fatal accidents in the state.
“Special drives go a long way in modifying the behaviour of road users as the police have no control over the issuance of driving licences, which is the most important first step to ensure that only well-trained persons ride or drive vehicles,” said the police.
In the case of over speeding, 701 cases were booked under the Motor Vehicle (MV) Act and fines amounting to Rs 7 lakh were collected. Fines of Rs 1,000 for light motor vehicles and Rs 2,000 for other vehicles are applicable for the offence of speeding. Besides, a violator’s driving licence can be suspended for a minimum period of three months.
Similarly, 101 cases of drunken driving were booked. The punishment for this violation is imprisonment, which may extend to six months, and a fine up to Rs 10,000. The driving licence of the violator can also be suspended for a minimum period of three months.
“Goa traffic police appeals to all road users, drivers and riders, particularly the young people, to drive/ride safely and responsibly and obey all the traffic rules,” police said.
The highest amount of Rs 22.7 lakh collected in fines was for riding without a helmet with 2,271 cases booked. Also, Rs 19.4 lakh was collected for dangerous parking or violating no parking signs, with 3,871 cases booked.
Another 676 cases of driving without seatbelt were booked and Rs 6.7 lakh was collected in fines.