Lawless parking in the capital

THE EDITOR: I am exceedingly displeased with the indiscriminate parking in and around Port of Spain. The lawless behaviour of our citizens in how and where they park their vehicles is distressing.

The majority of streets have signs detailing the specific days vehicles are allowed to park on each side. However, due to the absence of the wrecking service, parking on both sides occurs daily. This has resulted in extreme congestion and restriction of the free movement of pedestrians and vehicles throughout the city.

Furthermore, people have gone beyond simply ignoring the parking signs to even parking on the pavements, as well as parking beyond the designated markers on the roadways. I believe these markers are to allow enough space for vehicles to turn freely around corners. However, this is now impossible on nearly every street in the city.

Recently, I witnessed a bus unable to progress along its route due to two vehicles parked at the corner, beyond the designated makers. This resulted in a major traffic pile-up until the drivers were eventually located and the vehicles moved.

I shudder to think about what would happen if a major disaster should occur in the capital city. The safety and security of the citizenry will be threatened due to this very indiscriminate parking.

This untenable situation must be addressed as I believe it poses a major safety risk.

MANNELLA JULIEN

via e-email