Critique of Parking Strategies in Jamaican Town Centres by Mikael Phillips
Mikael Phillips, the Opposition Spokesman on Transport, criticized the Ministry of Transport and the Transport Authority for lacking a national parking plan, which contributes to congestion in town centres like Papine Square. He proposed immediate solutions, such as utilizing lay-bys and improving area management, while emphasizing the need for collaboration with municipal bodies for sustainable improvements.
In a recent critique, Mikael Phillips, the Opposition Spokesman on Transport, has condemned the Ministry of Transport and the Transport Authority for lacking a national strategy to tackle parking issues in town centres throughout Jamaica. This oversight, he argues, has led to significant congestion, particularly in regions such as Papine Square, where inappropriate parking facilities hinder taxi operators and commuters alike.
During a tour of Papine Square, which was organized by Patricia Duncan Sutherland, the People’s National Party candidate for St Andrew Eastern, Phillips witnessed firsthand the congestion that plagues transportation in the area. “The issue of parking is the main issue, which causes just a general congestion in the town centres,” he stated, emphasizing the absence of designated areas for taxis despite the ongoing issuance of taxi licenses.
Phillips also raised concerns regarding the government’s overall transportation strategy, particularly the expansion of Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) routes into rural areas without a clear integration plan. He highlighted that while new licenses are issued for JUTC routes, inadequate parking hinders their effective implementation.
To address the immediate issues in Papine Square, Phillips proposed several temporary solutions:
– Utilizing the lay-by behind the JUTC bus stop for taxi operators to facilitate passenger pickups and drop-offs.
– Improving the management of the Market Road area to better accommodate both vendors and transport operators.
Acknowledging that sustainable solutions necessitate collaboration with municipal corporations and the National Works Agency (NWA), Phillips stressed the urgent need for better parking arrangements. He criticized the Transport Authority and law enforcement for penalizing operators who are compelled to park illegally due to the lack of designated spaces. “The Transport Authority would not have provided enough parking, but yet still, between the Transport Authority and the police, operators are being ticketed for parking on the streets,” he remarked.
Phillips concluded by noting that while the People’s National Party does not currently possess all the solutions, the party continues to engage with transportation stakeholders to formulate plans for future governance.
In conclusion, Mikael Phillips has articulated critical views on the inadequacy of parking solutions in Jamaican town centres, particularly stressing the resultant traffic congestion in areas like Papine Square. He proposes immediate measures to alleviate these issues, while also highlighting the need for a comprehensive national transportation strategy. The ongoing dialogue with stakeholders aims to foster effective solutions as the People’s National Party prepares for future governance.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
