Brakes on parking thugs
Published:Sunday | November 14, 2010 | 12:00 AM
Brian Bonitto, Special Assignment Editor
It is an unlawful and an illegal act. And they can be arrested and charged. - Supt McGregor
PUBLIC PARKING in downtown Kingston may be less of a hassle in the coming weeks as police intensify their efforts to rid the city's streets of illegal activities.
According to Superintendent Steve McGregor, head of Kingston Central's Street Crime Unit, they will be arresting thugs who charge motorists to use public designated parking areas.
"It is an unlawful and an illegal act. And they can be arrested and charged," Superintendent McGregor told Automotives.
He explained that depending on how 'the act' is committed, these thugs could be charged with offences ranging from demanding money by menace or under the extortion heading.
"They are a nuisance and can be abusive," he said. "We have got reports from motorists about them."
Several main thoroughfares in downtown Kingston are plagued with this illegal activity, including Duke Street, Orange Street, Barry Street and the shopping district of King Street.
The superintendent said the current move by the lawmen is an extension of the November 1 initiviative, which began with the removal of vendors from downtown Kingston's streets.
A similar thrust was initiated in August this year by tough-talking Superintendent Radcliffe Lewis, head of the police's traffic division, to rid the streets of windshield cleaners.
Superintendent McGregor said he was aware there was a dearth of public parking in downtown Kingston. he, however, urged motorists to use legitimate parking areas.
"Don't be encouraged by these men to park on corners either, your vehicles could be towed away," Superintendent McGregor stressed.
current rate
Currently, the rate at the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation's (KSAC)municpal car park on Church Street is $200 per hour while the fees charged by thugs range from $50 to $100.
Mayor of Kingston Desmond McKenzie, in a previous interview, said parking was one of his biggest challenges.
"Parking has become like a nightmare, people park just about anywhere they feel," he said. "The KSAC's wrecking team is having a serious problem keeping areas where parking is not permitted clear of hindrance," he said.
McKenzie said the KSAC was holding talks with an American company with a view to install parking meters throughout the city.