Taxi operators seek stronger policing as Freeland pledges action

By Kisean Joseph
kisean.joseph@antiguaobserver.com
Taxi operators in St John’s are calling for a stronger police presence to prevent drivers who are not association members from occupying designated taxi spaces and intercepting cruise passengers at Heritage Quay.
Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism Michael Freeland pledged to work with operators and the relevant authorities to find solutions after hearing their concerns during a walkthrough of Heritage Quay and surrounding areas on Wednesday morning.
“These issues affect livelihoods, affect the traffic flow, and affect the experience we offer to our visitors,” Freeland told Observer Media.
According to association representatives, drivers who are not members have been occupying designated taxi spaces, including some vehicles displaying airport taxi stickers.
They also pointed to double-parking and vehicles stopping on yellow lines and in restricted areas. They said these practices block access to the taxi spaces and make it difficult for buses to manoeuvre.
Freeland said operators raised concerns about inadequate policing and the need for a more consistent presence to maintain order and enforce parking rules.
Passenger solicitation was another major complaint. Representatives said people outside the association have been approaching cruise visitors inside Heritage Quay before they reach the official taxi collection points and steering them elsewhere.
The association operates from two collection areas, one of them closer to the cruise ships. Operators said some solicitors position themselves between sections of the boardwalk to intercept passengers. They also raised concerns about drivers working without stickers identifying them as association members.
Members said consistent enforcement would keep designated spaces available for their intended use and bring more order to traffic and passenger pick-ups.
Freeland described taxi operators as an important part of the tourism industry and said their concerns deserve attention.
“I’m committed to working with them, the relevant authorities, the stakeholders, to seek practical solutions and improve the operations in the busy part of our capital,” he said.
He thanked the operators for giving him what he called a comprehensive overview of the situation in St John’s.