Tourist Traffic Chaos Continues in Panaji's Historic Quarter
The implementation of one-way systems on three streets in Sao Tome, located within Panaji's picturesque Latin Quarter, has failed to resolve the persistent traffic problems faced by local residents. Despite clear signage and regulatory measures, tourists continue to drive through the narrow lanes in the wrong direction, creating ongoing challenges for those who call this historic area home.
Residents' Frustrations Mount Despite Official Measures
Corporator Lorraine Dias confirmed that numerous tourists ignore the directional signs and use incorrect entry points, leaving local residents skeptical about the effectiveness of the traffic management solution. The situation has become so concerning that the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) took additional action by deploying wardens specifically to prevent tourists from accessing the city's non-motorized zones in the Latin Quarters.
A CCP warden stationed near Joseph Bar, a popular eating establishment in Fontainhas, explained the current regulations: "We have installed signboards clearly indicating that tourist vehicles cannot use these lanes. The area is accessible to tourists only on foot."
Multiple Interventions Yield Limited Results
The current traffic management measures follow numerous complaints from residents of both Sao Tome and Fontainhas that emerged in October last year. In response to these concerns, authorities initially deployed police personnel to address various tourism-related issues. This intervention aimed to monitor and regulate the behavior of disorderly tourists while ensuring a more pleasant experience for both local residents and visitors.
The CCP warden highlighted that the situation becomes particularly challenging during peak hours and weekends. "Some drivers mistakenly enter the restricted routes and have already passed our checkpoint before we can stop them. Redirecting them to alternative routes becomes extremely difficult amid heavy traffic conditions," he noted.
Beyond traffic violations, residents express growing exasperation with tourists using their private residences as backdrops for photography sessions. Many homeowners voice concerns about the impact of mass tourism, particularly the noise generated by visitors that they say "invades privacy and disturbs the peace." This problem proves especially troubling in areas predominantly inhabited by senior citizens.
Private Security Measures Emerge as Last Resort
Faced with persistent issues, some residents have taken extraordinary measures by hiring private security personnel to protect their personal spaces. This drastic step comes after numerous warning signs displayed throughout the neighborhood proved largely ineffective in deterring unruly tourist behavior.
Elwynne Dancho, a local resident, shared his perspective on the ongoing situation: "No matter how many signage authorities install, tourists simply don't follow them." He also pointed out that wardens remain posted only during specific daytime hours, leaving the area largely unmonitored at other times.
Despite all implemented measures, tourists continue to create nuisances that affect the quality of life for Panaji's Latin Quarter residents, raising questions about the effectiveness of current tourism management strategies in Goa's capital city.
