No tolerance for illegal vehicle towing, blocking parking spots

PHILIPSBURG--Years of traffic infractions particularly relating to parking and the towing of vehicles will come to an end, says Minister of Justice Roland Duncan. Police will start fining persons and companies soon for illegally placing "no parking" signs, blocking public parking spaces and illegally towing vehicles.

According to law, only police have the right to remove vehicles or apply wheel clamps. The police are the only authority that can decide whether somebody is impeding traffic and that can apply traffic rules. On the scene a verbal or written command will be issued by the officer before the vehicle is removed or wheel clamps installed.

Duncan said no licences had been given to towing companies to remove vehicles. Under the law this action is seen as theft. Duncan made known that his Ministry had not signed any contract with any towing company to allow them to tow vehicles legally for parking infractions. He also said police officers who called for private tow trucks were subjecting themselves to disciplinary measures, because the Police Force has a tow truck to handle such issues.

If a citizen or a business has an issue he/she/it must call police, not the towing company. Those who have vehicles towed or who block public parking spaces will be fined. Duncan advised persons whose vehicles had been towed recently not to pay the fine unless the company could provide a statement from police showing its authority to take the action. If this is not provided, a report of auto theft should be filed with the police.

These actions occur regularly in St. Maarten, particularly on Cannegieter Street in Philipsburg. While reports have come in that police have begun issuing fines, Duncan said this would be done in a more structured manner. The issuing of traffic fines is to be handled by the Department of Economic Affairs under the supervision of police. It is expected that a special group of officers will be created to handle traffic violations.

In general, the Minster believes there should be better observance of traffic laws in St. Maarten. He commented on the issues of buses stopping at places other than the bus stops. He said he intended to follow Curaçao and Aruba and impound and fine taxis and buses that break the law. He also said citizens should be more diligent and should stand at and stop the transports at the designated areas.

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/25778-no-tolerance-for-illegal-vehicle-towing-blocking-parking-spots-.html

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