NT NETWORK
PANAJI
From July 1 the Goa police will start seizing driving licences of motorists found over-speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, overloading (goods carriages), carrying people in goods carriages and using mobile phone while driving.
The seized driving licence will be then forwarded to the transport department for its suspension for a period of not less than three months.
The move comes in the wake of directives issued last year by the Supreme Court committee on road safety.
Incidentally over-speeding has gone unchecked in Goa since mid-2014, as speed radars of interceptor vehicles have been out of order and are beyond repairs.
In this connection, the Goa police have now written to the government seeking four interceptor vehicles.
“From July 1, we will begin seizing licences of such traffic violators… it has been discussed with officials of the transport department,” Director General of Police Dr Muktesh Chander said.
On Wednesday, Chander held a review meeting with officials of various government departments to discuss measures to reduce road accidents and improve road safety.
“Our target is to reduce accidents, and during the meeting we have discussed various measures. We are focused on the issue (road safety) and want cooperation from everyone,” Chander said.
Chander said that on June 13, a team of 10 traffic police personnel, including a police inspector, a police sub-inspector and police constables, will be sent to Delhi to attend a week-long specialized programme in road safety education.
And starting from July 2, every Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm these police personnel will impart training to motorists on road safety at Porvorim as well as in Margao.
“It is open for all. However, at first we will train the traffic police personnel and other employees from the government departments,” Dr Chander said.