Tourists harassed by traffic police

Panaji, July 24: Goa Assembly Deputy Speaker Michael Lobo on Monday accused the traffic police of "harassing" tourists in the state, especially in its coastal belt.

Domestic tourists, especially honeymooning couples, are routinely harassed by the traffic police, Lobo told the assembly during a discussion on the Home Department's functioning.

"Indian as well as foreign tourists are hassled every second day. If a tourist comes here (and rides a scooter), in his three-day stay he is stopped six times by cops. I don't want to say beyond that," Lobo said.

Lobo is a legislator from Calangute constituency, which is home to popular beaches.

He said the constabulary should be discouraged from imposing fines for traffic violations on visitors.

Over four million tourists, including half a million foreingers, visit Goa every year.