MARGAO: Even though multi-pronged efforts are made by the Margao traffic cell to educate drivers on the rules and regulations of Motor Vehicles Act, traffic violations continue to increase in South Goa.
During the last six months traffic cells have booked 90,634 cases of violation of Motor Vehicle Act.
According to information given by Deputy Superintendent of Police, traffic, Prabodh Shirvoiker out of 90,634 cases, Ponda traffic cell has booked 16,572 cases, Canacona 8,739 cases, Quepem 2025 cases, Collem traffic cell 5066 cases, Dabolim 3,251 cases, Margao 29,326 cases, Vasco 18,171 cases while 7,484 cases were booked by Curchorem traffic cell.
The main objective of the drive was to bring traffic discipline and better road sense among the motorists.
Margao traffic cell which monitors the areas of Salcete taluka has booked the highest number with 29,326 cases till June.
Shirvoiker said that cases of using harsh horns, parking in no parking zones, driving without uniform, over-speeding, failure to issue ticket to passengers, etc were booked. Cases of driving in no entry zones, driving a vehicle without license or permit and driving under the influence of alcohol were also booked, he said.
Fines were also imposed where vehicles were found to have no registration plates and faulty number plates, he added .
Drivers whose vehicles did not have the mandatory pollution under control (PUC) certificates were also booked.
Other cases involved private vehicles being used as tourist vehicles, no tax remittance challans and vehicles without insurance cover and registration certificates.
It was also pointed out that no lights, other than those permitted in the Motor Vehicles Rules can be fitted on the vehicles. These include spotlights, searchlights, mercury lamps and moving fancy lights.
Dome lights are also not permitted, unless specifically authorised.
According to police sources, this year, till June in all 595 drivers were booked for overspeeding, 268 drivers were booked for driving without licence and fine was collected. Besides this, 933 vehicle owners were booked for driving without seat belt, 141 for using mobile while driving, 179 for improper lights, 373 for driving without number plate,1,292 drivers were booked for using tinted glasses.
Margao traffic police have stepped up its campaign against traffic rule violators for not using helmets while driving and other traffic offences.
According to sources in Margao traffic cell, cases have been booked on highways within the limits of Salcete police station and corresponding fines have been imposed towards offences thereof.
An officer of traffic cell said that they have formed a team of traffic officers who are involved in booking cases in the heart of the town and other places too.
It was said that Margao traffic cell has booked 23,071 cases for not using helmet while riding two wheeler.
A senior police officer of traffic department said that in comparison to last year, this year, cases booked for traffic rule violations have increased.
He said that as a part of special drive in Salcete they have been checking the vehicles at various places, and some vehicles without registration numbers have been found.
The police said that they would continue booking cases against people riding two-wheelers without wearing helmets under Motor Vehicle Act.