PANJIM: Goa Civic and Consumer Action Network (GOACAN) launched its consumer campaign to free parking spaces for the public and free pavements for pedestrian Use at Patto in the city on Friday.
In a drive that was coordinated by GOACAN Co-ordinator Roland Martins and Assistant Director of Transport (Enforcement) North Cedric J Souza Cordeiro, inspectors of the Directorate of Transport booked cases under the Motor Vehicle Act for blocking parking spaces and parking on the pavements.
Speaking to reporters, Martins said GOACAN has been receiving many complaints from consumers that they are unable to find parking spaces at Patto due to these spaces being occupied by two wheelers and four wheelers being used under the rent-a-bike and rent-a-cab commercial business.
He said as per permit conditions prescribed by the Directorate of Transport, these vehicles have to be parked at the residence of the permit holder, however they are parked at Patto resulting in the blocking of important spaces needed by consumers visiting Panaji for their personal or official work.
Also important parking space at Patto is blocked by abandoned four wheelers owned by Government Departments and two wheelers owned by private parties, he said.
Besides, to avoid paying parking fees, many two wheeler riders have started parking their vehicles on the pavements at different spots at the EDC Patto Complex thereby making it difficult for pedestrians to use the pavements, he added.
Martins said the drive by GOACAN will continue along with awareness amongst consumers on the Right to Parking Spaces and the Right of Pedestrians to pavements free from parked vehicles and how complaints can be lodged with the Corporation of the City of Panaji, Directorate of Transport and Traffic Police.
In the second phase starting from March 15, World Consumer Rights Day, the campaign will move to other municipal areas of Margao, Mapusa, Vasco and Ponda, he said.
