BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - IT is said that ignorance of the Law is no excuse, and those who violate it must be prepared to face the consequences.
Two days before Monday’s (May 5) Labour Day March, a press release was issued by the Traffic Department informing the general public of the route the march would take and that parking along the route was prohibited.
Notwithstanding, the Licensing Authority had removed four vehicles by towing after their owners/drivers had flaunted the law.
Information reaching this publication indicates that one was removed from Fort Street, one from South Independence Square Street and two from Central Street.
The Vehicles and Roads Traffic Amendment Regulations 2011 make provision for the Licensing Authority to take such action.
Section 45A (1) states, “The Licensing Authority may, where a vehicle is parked illegally or in any manner obstructing the free flow of traffic, cause such vehicle to be towed from the area in question and impounded.”
And as explained by the Police Force’s Public Relations Officer, Inspector Lyndon David, “The Licensing Authority has that authority to cause certain roads to be closed (or made) one way and so forth with prior notice. And once the notice goes out within reasonable time for persons to act upon it, they have to act accordingly. If they fail to comply, these vehicles would have to be moved and the vehicle owners can be ticketed.”
SKNVibes understands that three companies, Huggins Auto Services, Zummie Wrecker Service and Bass Wrecking Service, have been contracted to handle such cases. They also provide service in instances when vehicles were involved in accidents need to be removed from roadways.
Illegally parked vehicles are usually impounded at the compound of the St. Kitts and Nevis Fire and Rescue Services Department and are not released until the towing fee is paid. That fee currently stands at $150.
Section 45A (2) of the Vehicles and Road Traffic Amendment Regulations states: “Where a vehicle is towed and impounded pursuant to sub-regulation (1), the Licensing Authority shall only release the vehicle to the owner or agent of the owner of the vehicle upon payment of the requisite towing fee to a company designated to perform that service.”
SKNVibes is not certain about whether or not the vehicles impounded on Monday were retrieved. However, Inspector David advised motorists to “simply avoid the risk and do not park in the no-parking zones. If you do not want your vehicle to be towed and impounded, do not park in the no-parking or restricted areas...”
