EDITORIAL
Road safety demands unwavering enforcement and better transport choices
Last Saturday, over half-a-lakh traffic violations were detected by Goa’s transport authorities. The sheer volume indicates the extent of disrespect for the law displayed by motorists. This is true not only of tourists but also of locals.
Traffic violations are nothing new, but their intensity has increased over the past few years. The situation gives the impression that Goa is being viewed as a lawless driving destination. The government’s inaction over the past decade or so has aggravated the situation. Its failure to implement stern measures has led to an increase in the number of lawbreakers. The Traffic Sentinel scheme was launched in 2017 but was scrapped in 2021, ahead of the last Assembly elections. The government threatens to introduce stern measures but always develops cold feet at the last moment. The Digital Taxi policy was promised several times and has now been deferred to 2027.
However, on Monday, the government finally acted. Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho deserves appreciation for the tough action he announced to curb traffic indiscipline. The measures mark a shift in the government’s approach. The automatic surveillance of traffic violations through the activation of AI-powered cameras across 26 locations (in the first batch), starting July 15, could be a turning point in traffic rule enforcement. The government stated that the AI-powered cameras will undertake 24×7 monitoring. However, it must be ensured that the new tech-driven system works seamlessly. At the Merces junction, the system developed technical snags when run under a pilot project. At several locations, traffic signals sometimes stop working, throwing traffic flow into a tizzy.
The Transport Department’s move to restrict licence renewal for some SUVs could reduce the accident rate. It should not target any vehicle brand, as it is the driver who is responsible for reckless driving. If one analyses the decision, tourists may have a different perspective. If the government cracks down on rent-a-cabs and restricts vehicle availability, it must provide a viable alternative. There must be effective checks on the illegal operation of rental cars. Unlike most tourist destinations, both within the country and abroad, Goa has no app-based taxi service except GoaMiles. The government seems worried about the backlash from the taxi lobby if a digital taxi system is enforced. Goa should have had an app-based taxi aggregator long ago.
Simply acting tough on rental vehicles because they have been involved in incidents of reckless driving cannot be seen as a complete solution. The root cause must be addressed. Aren’t vehicles fitted with speed governors? If so, how can they touch high speeds? As the Transport Minister said on Monday, his department found manipulations carried out with the help of mechanics to bypass the speed limit. The onus is on the Transport Department to decide how to tackle the tampering of safety devices. Treating fatal drunk-driving accidents under culpable homicide or murder charges will definitely reduce cases of driving under the influence. Some years ago, to curb this trend, Godinho suggested that nightclubs and restaurants should provide transport for inebriated customers. This system is followed in many parts of the world.
Strict laws do not reduce fatalities; professional enforcement does. Enforcement of the new rules will show the extent to which the new measures succeed. Consistency must be maintained, and enforcement cannot be limited to a couple of months for photo opportunities. Monday’s announcements showed that the government can be tough if required. Hopefully, the authorities will ensure consistent and effective enforcement of the rules to bring discipline to our roads.
