Lithuania's Disability Rights Commission Appeals for Change in Traffic Rules for Persons with Disabilities

Lithuanian disability rights commission chairwoman Indre Kiziene has written to institutions calling for a review of traffic rules that restrict access to the A+ lane for persons with disabilities. The current provision prohibits use of the lane except when a person with a disability is being transported to or from an educational or day care institution, even if the route is coordinated with the road owner. This regulation, detailed in KET 181 1.2, was deemed outdated by residents and the commission chair, who point out that people with disabilities travel to various vital places daily, not just education or employment centers. The commission argues that the current practice imposes an unjust burden on people with disabilities, increasing their emotional and bureaucratic problems.

Key Takeaways:

• The Lithuanian Seimas Commission on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has appealed to institutions to review traffic rules (RTR) due to restrictions on the use of the A+ lane for persons with disabilities.
• The current provision, KET 181 1.2, allows use of the A+ lane only when a person with a disability is transported to or from an educational or day care institution, even if the route is coordinated with the road owner.
• People with disabilities, their relatives, and advocacy groups assert that this regulation is outdated and does not reflect the real mobility needs of persons with disabilities.
• Mobile speed cameras often issue fines to vehicles marked with the "Person with a disability" sign or holding a parking card for a person with a disability, despite the intended purpose of such markings.
• The commission chair, Indre Kiziene, points out that people with disabilities face an unjust burden, including emotional and bureaucratic problems, due to the current practice.
• The commission proposes allowing travel in the A+ lane in all cases where the vehicle is marked with the "Person with a Disability" sign, regardless of the destination.
• This appeal invites institutions to assess the validity of the provision, its implementation in real conditions, and its impact on people with disabilities.
• The commission also emphasizes the need to reduce excessive administrative burden on people with disabilities.

Statistics:

• According to KET 181 1.2, the A+ lane is currently allowed to be used only when a person with a disability is transported to or from an educational or day care institution.
• The commission reports that persons with disabilities face increased emotional and bureaucratic burden as a result of the current practice.
• It is estimated that mobile speed cameras issue fines to vehicles marked with the "Person with a Disability" sign or holding a parking card for a person with a disability at a significant rate.

Sources:

• KET 181 1.2 (Lithuanian traffic rules)
• Letter from Indre Kiziene, Chairwoman of the Seimas Commission on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities