Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Ex Karnataka MLA and Advocate Anil S. Benake has submitted a detailed representation to Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant regarding the recent enforcement of traffic fines on vehicles entering Goa, particularly those from Belagavi and other tourist regions.
In his communication, Benake stated that Chief Minister Sawant has assured him that the government is considering a mechanism to introduce a first-time warning system for minor traffic violations, aimed at encouraging compliance with traffic rules while reducing immediate financial penalties for first-time offenders.
He noted that Goa Traffic Police have been imposing substantial fines on tourist vehicles entering the state, including penalties related to Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates and other violations. While reiterating support for road safety enforcement, he expressed concern that the current system is causing hardship to regular commuters, tourists, and local businesses.
Benake highlighted multiple issues, including alleged faulty digital enforcement systems resulting in incorrect e-challans, unclear signage for speed limits and parking zones, and what he described as disproportionately high penalties for minor infractions. He also warned that strict enforcement on rented tourist vehicles could adversely affect Goa’s tourism reputation.
He further emphasized that the present fine structure may place an excessive financial burden on low-income commuters and daily wage earners, particularly for minor violations that could be addressed through awareness and warning-based enforcement.
Among his key suggestions, Benake urged the Goa administration to implement a “first-time warning system” for non-dangerous violations, including documentation-related matters such as pollution certificates, instead of immediate monetary penalties.
