ST ANN, Jamaica — Taxi operators in Discovery Bay withdrew their services on Monday to protest the absence of a designated taxi park in the area.

Chants of “We want a park! We want justice!” echoed as drivers marched across a pedestrian crossing holding placards.

Wayne Brown who plies the Discovery Bay to Browns Town route told Observer Online, “We are told by the police to use a piece of land that is not suitable for taxi operation. There is dust, there is mud, there is no shelter, no bathroom facilities and we are sick and tired of it.”

He noted that failure to use the designated area could result in tickets for the taxi operators. Brown is urging the Transport Authority, the Parish Council, and the minister of transport to take action on the issue.

“Please do something or we will continue until we get a solution,” he said.

Other drivers expressed their frustration, saying they were being treated like animals in the “cow pen” they have been forced to use, with allegations that it has contributed to health issues due to the dust.

“We are tired of the tickets, we want a park!” a driver insisted.

According to the North Coast Times, the St Ann Municipal Corporation (SAMC) has been in discussions to secure the land for formal use and add necessary amenities but has yet to provide a timeline for completion.