MAYOR of Kingston Andrew Swaby has announced a ramping up of removal efforts of abandoned and illegally parked vehicles across the Corporate Area this month, firmly urging residents to refrain from deserting their property on roadways.

“I want to make a simple appeal to the residents. We are running out of space to store vehicles left on our roads. Please dispose of old vehicles responsibly. Do not leave them to become a public health risk or burden on the community. Derelict and abandoned vehicles continue to pose a significant challenge in many communities across the municipality,” said Swaby, who was speaking at the monthly Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) meeting with city councillors on Tuesday.

The mayor added that in January alone, the KSAMC has issued nearly 200 notices for the improper usage of sidewalks and roadways which has prompted the motion to heighten removal, noting that in keeping with the Cleaner Kingston Initiative, more active enforcement was necessary to maintain the project’s relevance.

The Cleaner Kingston Initiative is a campaign led by the KSAMC and the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) to rejuvenate the Corporate Area. It focuses on regular sanitation of public spaces, enhancing waste collection, supporting the homeless, and improving order to foster a cleaner, safer, and more business-friendly environment.

“The City Inspector’s Department has been actively enforcing measures to maintain order and cleanliness across our communities. In January, notices were served for 170 encroachments on sidewalks and roadways. These included 62 derelict properties, six illegal structures, 14 street-side garages, and 88 abandoned vehicles resulting in the removal of 25 from our streets,” said Swaby, who also underscored that the situation was causing strain on the municipality’s resources and residents who are being hampered in going about their business.

The call for residents to desist from abandoning property on roadways has been a long-standing issue, with the KSAMC in 2025 having to intensify efforts to remove derelict and disabled vehicles from roads, citing them as safety hazards, traffic obstructions, and health risks. Similarly in 2024, 1,000 public health and road nuisance notices on derelict vehicles and properties were issued.

Swaby noted that specific focus would be placed on Stony Hill, Cross Roads Market, Rockfort, and Olympic Way, among other areas, specifically targeting damaged and deteriorating vehicles.

Additionally, areas of highest priority for abandoned vehicles are Lemington Avenue, Ziadie Gardens, Glen Avenue, Olympic Court, Bay Farm Road, Hagley Park Road, Padmore Drive, Berkley Avenue, Albert Street, and New Haven.

“We are also targeting garages, illegal garages in Lyndhurst Close, Padmore Drive again, Standpipe Lane, East Bloomberg, Margaret Villa, and Moreton Park. In addition, 605 events and party signs have been removed since the start of the year as a part of our drive to maintain cleanliness and public order,” Swaby said.

The mayor reiterated the importance of keeping the city clean, calling on all people who live, work, or do business in the Corporate Area to play their part in the upkeep, beauty and cleanliness of Kingston and St Andrew.

“Our Cleaner Kingston Initiative demonstrates our ongoing commitment to creating a cleaner, safer, and more accessible environment. I urge all stakeholders to support these measures as critical steps to protect our communities, preserve public spaces, and ensure Kingston and St Andrew remain clean and welcoming to our residents and visitors alike,” said Swaby.

Derelict vehicles in Cassava Piece, St Andrew, which the National Solid Waste Management Authority had threatened to have removed and dumped in another operation.