PANJIM: The Corporation of City of Panaji (CCP) has prohibited the parking of vehicles from the off-shore casino vessels in the city asking the concerned operators to use the multi-storey pay parking facility of the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC). 

The decision, which would come into force from July 1, has been taken in a bid to decongest the city roads even during the late hours. 

“The casino representatives have been asked to introduce valet parking for its staff and customers at the multi-storey pay parking facility. The staff and customers can be picked and dropped at this point, an arrangement to be made by the respective casino operators only. The plan will reduce parking nuisance in the city. Nearly to 75 per cent of vehicles belong to them,” Panjim Traffic police inspector Brendon D’Souza said.

The meeting chaired by CCP Commissioner Ajit Roy was also attended by CCP Mayor Uday Madkaikar, the traffic PI and other traffic officials, and representatives of the off-shore casino vessels.   

The CCP has also asked the casino employees to put a sticker on their vehicles as it would help the authorities to identify the vehicles. 

“The enforcement would begin from July 1 and if the casino operators fail to comply, they will be penalised and their vehicles will be seized,” the PI said. 

The traffic police and CCP staff will be posted on duty even during the late hours to ensure compliance.

Panjim MLA Atanasio Monserrate had recently asked the traffic department to call for a meeting of the stakeholders and all the casinos to implement valet parking at the multi-level parking facility.

CCP also resolved to tender pay parking at selected roads such as 18th June road, near Garcia de Orta Garden, Atmaram Borkar road and Miramar circle to Sharada Mandir school.