Viçosa ordered to expand urban accessibility measures

The Court of Justice of Minas Gerais (TJMG) has expanded the legal obligations of the municipality of Viçosa to improve urban accessibility. Following an appeal by the Public Ministry of Minas Gerais (MPMG), the court ruled that the city must go beyond adjusting traffic lights to include broader measures for removing barriers that hinder people with disabilities and reduced mobility.

The decision follows a civil public action initiated in June 2023. A technical report from the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV) identified several infrastructure failures, including excessive sidewalk inclinations, lack of tactile paving, inadequate crossings, and obstacles caused by tree roots. The municipality is now required to implement inspection measures and ensure compliance with federal and municipal accessibility standards.