Team Goemkarponn
CALANGUTE: Calangute MLA Michael Lobo today welcomed the government’s decision to tighten enforcement against drunken driving, saying the move should send a strong message that Goa will adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards motorists driving under the influence of alcohol.
Addressing a press conference along with Sudip Tamhankar and representatives of rental vehicle associations, Lobo said those caught driving under the influence should face strict legal action, including imprisonment. He said strong enforcement is necessary to deter offenders, particularly tourists and drivers of rental vehicles, and to improve road safety across the state.
The remarks come after the Directorate of Transport directed the Superintendent of Police (Headquarters) to ensure strict enforcement of the Motor Vehicles Act against passenger vehicle drivers found driving under the influence of alcohol while on duty. The directive followed a representation by the All Goa Private Bus Owners Association seeking stronger action against such violations.
Lobo also demanded a statewide crackdown on illegal white-number plate vehicles operating as rental cars, alleging that they now outnumber registered yellow-number plate rental vehicles. He urged Goa Police to take immediate action to curb the illegal transport business and protect licensed operators.
On the issue of urbanisation, Lobo said the Revenue Department should clearly define the concept to remove confusion among the public. Referring to the proposed urban declaration for Calangute, he said he welcomed the development but maintained that the village should continue to be governed under the Panchayat system rather than being converted into a municipality.
“Calangute does not require municipal status. It should continue under the Panchayat Act,” Lobo said, adding that the government must formally clarify what urbanisation entails before proceeding with similar proposals elsewhere.
