By Marcellus D’Souza
Apr 1: As the morning sun rose and glistened on the waters of the Zauri and Mandovi rivers, Goans headed to work, school or the market and to complete the chores of the day. The overall mood of the people of Goa was one of utter disbelief at the implementation of the amended MVA which kicked into the state today.
When told that the law was applicable in the entire country and that Goa had delayed its implementation it due to the recently held elections, they were not ready to bite the bullet.
Edgar D’Souza of Moira, who rides a bike and drives a car asks, “Fines for what? The government things it can discipline ordinary citizens, it should discipline itself”. How does the Amendment (of the MVA) concern the politicians? They drive around in government cars, with a red beacon light and their fuel tanks are never empty, because they get it filled to the brim for free. Will the cop chase a politician and fine him? The cops do not have the spine.”
This view is echoed by Diego Fernandes from Siolim. “Ask one of our politicians to pay the fine first and he will recover it four-fold from the people”, he said. “We are senior citizens who live on a pension and this is going to burn holes into our limited budgets.”
“We do not cross the line on purpose. We are law abiding citizens. Sometimes, we are in a hurry and due to our haste to catch the ferry to Betim, we dash off ignoring the signal lights”, says young Eldon D’Cunha. His friend Amit Gaokar, shakes his head in agreement. But his naughty smile gave away the truth.
Ashley D’Costa of Margao, who rides a bullet bike, is condescending. “Increase the fines, but improve the roads. The government cannot have its cake and eat it too. Look at the wear and tear of the bike due to bad roads, the response time for an accident victim is so ling that by the time the injured is transported to GMC, he is declared dead. Many signals are not working. The situation is pathetic.”
Alaric Gomes, a former journalist in the Gulf and a resident of Cortalim opined: “It is a fantastic way to make more money. Very soon all the RTO chaps will own ‘disproportionate wealth’. Duggy Fernandes of Oxel, echoes the sentiment. “Why create additional hurdles. The bike, which he and thousand other ride, is a utility mode of transportation. It is a necessity in Goa. What is the government trying to prove by increasing the fines.”
Goa is a tourist destination. It offers freedom and fun. The first thing a tourist does on landing in Goa is to hire a bike. If this ‘tourist’ breaks the law, have I to pay the fine because the bike is registered on my name “, asks Edwin who rents out on hire about 30 bikes. This is my only earning and shrugs his shoulder when pressed to comment on the new law. Myron D’Mello, a Mumbai-based ‘biker’ is absolutely fed-up with the situation. The cops trouble us with unnecessary questions. All they are interested is the bribe being asked for no valid reason.
A resident of Panjim, says, “In some categories the hike in fines was long overdue. Especially in those where the purpose is to serve as a deterrent or for disciplinary purposes, but not for minor traffic offences and with the fines collected the government should use the revenue to improve the condition of the roads”, he continued emphatically. Yvonne Rebello, who works at Fundação Oriente whole heartedly, supported the idea. She says as a person who doesn’t drive, I should have nothing to say, as she is picked up to and from office in her company vehicle, “If the new law is rightfully implemented, it will be a great success. The increase of vehicular traffic in recent times is shocking and frightful. Everybody has a 2 wheeler or a car. Look at the traffic snares experienced in Panjim, especially on the Dabholkar Road or 18th June Road or Miramar beach turnaround. The youth do dare devils stunts like wheelies. This should be stopped immediately. Hope the new fine regime instill a fear in those who think breaking the law if their birthright. This law should not be a side-money-making opportunity for the cops! Alas in Goa, people can get away with anything”.
Cyril D’Cunha, said to be the senior most journalist in Goa and a resident of Porvorim says, “Cha, the traffic is a nightmare. It is so difficult to cross the highway to come into our residence – Casa D’Cunha. I dread the bikes. They swerve in and out of traffic. How can this law improve the situation with the number of cars and bikes being sole daily? The only benefactor is the cops. It is their day in the sun”.
Era Fernandes from Siolim who is down on a holiday from London thinks these fines are more than required. The traffic laws in London are strict and implemented as per the law. You just cannot grease the palms of the cop. Indians have no idea of what is discipline. It is hoped that the new MVA will make us rethink on something so essential as life. Look at the number of fatalities on the road every day”. “If the new fine regime can bring down the accident rate, I will be happy,” says Sanjay Tawde, who lost his teenage son in a bike accident. “This new rule should not become another excuse for the traffic cops to make money under the table. The cops have only gained in notoriety in writing out wrong e-Challans and imposing wrong fines,” Tawde lamented.
The last word though was stolen by a traffic cop, who did not want to be identified. He opined, “The two years of Covid have dried up the government coffers. Both the center as well as the state needed money for various projects as well as to line the pockets of our ministers. The collection has been low. How else can it be increased.” The enthusiasm being shown today will die down. Then we will be given a target and that will be met this target by troubling innocent Goans.”