St Lucia gets tough on motorists

St Lucia’s government has warned motorists who park illegally or drive without the required documents that their vehicles will be towed away to a new vehicle pound.

The new facility is expected to be in operation by the end of February. It will be located at Union. Transport Minister Guy Joseph has lamented that motorists do not seem to have any regard for traffic laws.

Joseph, a former president of the National Council on Public Transportation is alarmed by the number of traffic accidents in St Lucia.

While also expressing concern about stray animals on the road, Joseph noted that the Ministry of Transport could not erect a pound for animals.

“We are putting the pound for the vehicles – that’s our responsibility,” he said. “The fencing is going up for the vehicle pound. I expect some time in February – by the time we implement our parking metres in Castries, the vehicle pound will be ready.”

He said with the vehicle pound in place, the police will have a secure place to which to tow away vehicles that are found in violation of the laws.