Panaji: The transport department has directed all govt offices, departments, autonomous bodies, corporations, local bodies and other govt establishments in the state to strictly implement provisions for reserved parking spaces for persons with disabilities (PwDs). It has warned that vehicles found occupying reserved spaces without authorisation will be treated as being in violation of the law.The circular states that offenders will be liable to a fine of Rs 500 for a first offence and Rs 1,500 for a second or subsequent offence.The directive follows a suo motu order recently issued by the Goa State Commission for Persons with Disabilities. The transport department has been tasked with ensuring effective implementation of the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, relating to accessibility and reserved parking facilities.According to the circular, PwD-exclusive parking spaces must be clearly demarcated using prescribed signage and road markings, be located as close as practicable to the accessible entrance of a building, and provide the required access aisle.The authorities have also been instructed to prominently display suitable awareness signboards informing motorists that unauthorised parking in spaces reserved for PwDs constitutes a violation of the law.
