In recent months Goa has witnessed a staggering rise in road accidents involving rental vehicles, prompting the state’s Transport Department to swing into action. The move to halt the issuance of new rent-a-car licenses must be welcomed against what the State has seen recently. Official data shows a staggering 5,010 cases of traffic violations involving rental vehicles in the last two months, revealing serious patterns of recklessness and neglect.
The public notice from Transport Director P Pravimal Abhishek, elucidating the risks associated with self-driven rented vehicles, highlights a growing concern: tourists driving under the influence of alcohol, besides rash and negligent driving are not only endangering their lives but also jeopardizing the safety of other motorists. These risks cannot be understated, because road accidents, especially those involving rented vehicles have increased exponentially.
Ironically, the roadblock in streamlining erroneous tourists has been the myth that acting tough on tourists will deter or discourage visitors. Unfortunately, tourists on rented vehicles have gone overboard taking the liberties for granted, and swayed by the vibe of a holiday destination have indulged in reckless driving, overspeeding and flouting traffic rules and regulations. Add to this, the not-so-familiar landscape.
Until now, we have been showing a paradox where tourism is prioritised over public safety, and the higher political class affiliated with the tourism industry has been brazen about “not harassing” the tourists. This flawed perspective must shift; the burgeoning tourism industry should not come at the cost of endangering other road users.
The recent decision to enforce stricter regulations around rental vehicles is a much-appreciated step in restoring order to Goa’s chaotic streets. By mandating that rental vehicle operators conduct business strictly from their registered offices and designating branch locations, the Transport Department attempts to establish a framework within which tourist mobility can be balanced with road safety. The stipulation that violators will face heavy fines — up to Rs 10,000 for unauthorized operations — is imperative in creating deterrents that could discourage reckless behaviour.
Also, the crackdown on the illegal renting of private vehicles further enforces regulatory compliance under the Rent-a-Cab Scheme, 1989. Without proper licensing, these vehicles become not just a nuisance but also a hazard. The alarming figures — 14,718 prosecutions against rent-a-bikes and 8,046 against rent-a-cars last year — illustrate the urgent need for a systematic overhaul of how rental vehicles operate in Goa.
As public sentiment against the indiscriminate renting of vehicles by tourists grows, so does the necessity for a disciplined framework that ensures the safety of both tourists and residents. The Transport Department’s measures are not merely punitive; they represent a necessary shift in managing Goa’s roads more responsibly.
For a State that markets itself as a prime holiday destination, ensuring public safety remains paramount. Rented vehicles cannot be allowed to go freewheeling the way they are currently going because it creates a dangerous environment where the security of those on the roads is at risk. Protocols have to be tightened further and deterrents set so that the rented vehicle space is regulated.
There is a need for a community effort — from rented taxi owners to local authorities — to collectively uphold the principles of accountability and safety. We need to look at the larger picture of chaos and accidents on the roads from where solutions need to be drawn. Let it not be said that Goa lost its charm under the weight of unsafe roads.
