The St. Ann police are urging commuters to be disciplined in how they take public transportation, as this will aid in efforts to reduce traffic congestion and remove illegal taxis in the major towns.
On Monday, the St. Ann police launched a special operation to clear the streets of Ocho Rios of illegal taxis, while encouraging taxi operators to use the bus park.
Acting head of the St. Ann police, SSP Michael Smith, says since Monday the police have seized more than 20 vehicles, and issued over 150 traffic tickets.
SSP Smith says the special operation will be extended soon to all the major towns in the parish.
He says the bus park is equipped with light and security, so commuters and motorists need not be concerned about safety.
SSP Smith adds that part of the problem with the illegal taxis is that commuters are unwilling to use the park.
He says, if persons are disciplined enough to use the park, then the taxis will use it as well, thereby encourage adherence to law and order.
And, several taxi groupings whose members use the Oho Rios bus park held an emergency meeting today, to voice their concerns about the special police operation.
The police have been ticketing motorists and seizing the vehicles of drivers found to be operating in contravention of the laws, or their licence.
Since Monday, the police seized more than 20 vehicles and issued over 150 traffic tickets.
Among the breaches allegedly committed were the picking up and letting off of passengers along undesignated areas.
Speaking with Irie FM News President of the Milex Taxi Association, Daniel Scott says some recommendations were arrived at during the meeting.
Among them is a request for drivers to be ticketed for offences instead of their vehicles being seized.
He says other meetings will be held with the membership of the various associations, to get feedback on the recommendations, which will then be submitted to the police and transport authority.
And, chairman of the St. Ann Municipal Corporation, Mayor Michel Belnavis says efforts are being made, to repair some of the street lights in the vicinity of the Ocho Rios bus park.
This, in the wake of concerns about safety at the park at nights, and a police operation to rid the town of illegal taxis and traffic congestion.
Mayor Belnavis says since last Christmas, 6 new lamps have been installed inside the park.
He says a few stopped working recently due to overload, after unscrupulous persons put up illegal connections to steal electricity.
The Mayor says, the bus park is open up to 10:00 p.m. and it is safe for both taxi operators and commuters.
He explains that after 10:00 p.m. the police usually exercise some discretion with taxi operators who pick up and left off passengers at the gas station or on the streets.
Mayor Belnavis says the operation by the police is mainly to ensure that commuters and taxi operators use the park during peak hours.
He says since the operations began on Monday, the park has recorded a significant increase in usage and revenue collection.
He adds that residents and business operators have also commended the police for the move to maintain order in the town.