Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji
Panaji, Jun 10: Road accidents in Goa have declined by 17 per cent over the past two years, according to data reviewed at a meeting of the State Road Safety Council, which attributed the reduction to safety interventions at black spots and other accident-prone locations across the state.
The council, chaired by Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho on Tuesday, also decided to intensify enforcement measures, including special drives targeting rental vehicle operators and vehicles with tinted windows.
Godinho said the government would launch a state-wide drive to ensure rent-a-car and rent-a-bike operators comply with provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act.
“We have decided to launch a drive and see that all of them have speed governors. All of them must comply with the rules under the Motor Vehicles Act,” he said.
During the meeting, Goa Consumer Action Network (GOACAN) convenor and council member Roland Martins stressed the need for closer monitoring of fatal road accident cases and greater visibility of enforcement action.
Martins said many members of the public perceive a lack of action because the outcomes of enforcement measures and legal proceedings are often not widely known.
The council agreed to constitute subcommittees to monitor the progress of fatal accident cases and regularly review their legal status.
In an effort to strengthen road safety awareness, the meeting also resolved to revive the Traffic Warden and Road Safety Patrol schemes. The Education Department will be involved in creating awareness among drivers and riders, particularly students and young road users.
Godinho further directed the Director of Transport to form district-level squads within a month to remove roadside encroachments that obstruct traffic movement and pose safety risks.
The government will also organise orientation programmes for panchayat secretaries, block development officers (BDOs) and chief officers to familiarise them with Supreme Court rulings related to road encroachments and their removal.
The measures form part of the state's broader strategy to further reduce road accidents and improve traffic safety across Goa.