Mikael Phillips Critiques Absence of National Parking Plan in Jamaica

Mikael Phillips, Opposition Spokesman on Transport, criticized the Ministry of Transport for lacking a national plan to address parking issues in town centers, leading to severe congestion, especially in Papine Square. He proposed immediate measures for improvement while emphasizing the need for better parking solutions and collaboration among transport authorities.

On March 2, 2025, Opposition Spokesman on Transport, Mikael Phillips, expressed concern regarding the absence of a national strategy to resolve parking challenges in Jamaican town centers. He noted a significant increase in congestion, particularly in areas such as Papine Square in St Andrew, where taxi operators and passengers are hindered by insufficient parking facilities. Phillips made these remarks during a tour of Papine Square at the invitation of the People’s National Party (PNP) candidate for St Andrew Eastern, Patricia Duncan Sutherland, where he witnessed the transportation issues firsthand.

Phillips stated, “The issue of parking is the main issue, which causes just a general congestion in the town centres.” He emphasized the lack of coordinated efforts to establish designated parking spaces despite the continual granting of taxi licenses. He further criticized the government’s overall transportation strategy, particularly the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) expansion into rural areas without corresponding parking solutions.

As interim measures to alleviate congestion in Papine, Phillips recommended: utilizing the lay-by behind the JUTC bus stop for taxi pickups and drop-offs, and optimizing the Market Road area for both vendor and transportation needs. He acknowledged that implementing medium- and long-term solutions would necessitate collaboration with municipal corporations and the National Works Agency (NWA), but he underscored the urgent demand for enhanced parking options.

Phillips also expressed discontent with the Transport Authority and police for ticketing operators who park illegally due to the absence of designated areas. “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. He affirmed that although the PNP does not possess all the solutions presently, the party is engaging transportation stakeholders to formulate plans for the future.

In conclusion, Mikael Phillips has strongly criticized the lack of a national parking strategy, which has led to significant transportation issues in Jamaican town centers. With specific recommendations for immediate improvement, he emphasized the pressing need for coordinated efforts among various transport authorities to create designated parking solutions. The concerns raised underscore the importance of a comprehensive approach to transportation management in Jamaica.

Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com