PANAJI
The Traffic Department will switch to a fully digital system for compounding challans issued under the Motor Vehicles Act and Rules from March 1, completely phasing out cash payments.
Police sources told The Goan that traffic personnel have been strictly instructed not to demand or accept cash payments from violators. The personnel/ officials on the ground have also been directed to mandatorily wear body-worn cameras properly to ensure transparency.
However, some officials apprehend technical glitches as the devices have not undergone testing for a comprehensive use while also detailed briefing to the personnel is pending.
The department had last month mandated that body-worn cameras must capture video recordings, which should be reflected in the DSR without fail. Each Traffic Cell has been allotted about 5-6 body-worn cameras.
“The traffic personnel have been briefed to use only digital transactions for compounding challans. Options such as UPI, debit or credit cards are available. If a violator is unable to pay on the spot, an e-challan link will be sent via SMS, which must be settled within the stipulated time,” the official said.
In a recent communiqué, the department stated that the shift to digital payments is to promote cashless transactions and facilitate the payment of uncompounded challans issued under the Motor Vehicles Act and Rules.
The police stations are also expected to adopt the digital system, as they issue challans for violations in areas under their jurisdiction where traffic personnel are not stationed.
The Goan was the first to report that Goa Police acknowledged flaws in the e-challan mechanism, prompting the decision to implement a digital-only system. A dedicated ledger will be maintained to track transactions.
Goa Police last month decided to shift to cashless challan payments for traffic fines after the Rs 17.30 lakh fraud at Bicholim police station between February and December 2024. The case saw the suspension of the woman constable and recovery of the defrauded amount.
