Dear Editor,

I write to bring to public attention a matter that has been causing significant hardship for many residents, workers, and commuters who rely on public transportation in the town of St Ann’s Bay, St Ann.

Since February 2026 the superintendent of police in St Ann’s Bay has implemented several traffic measures that have created serious difficulties for those who commute daily using public passenger vehicles (PPV). One of the most concerning measures is the restriction of PPVs driving through the town of St Ann’s Bay. Drivers who pass through the town are now being issued tickets, with the police claiming that they are operating contrary to their road licence. In some instances, if a vehicle passes anywhere near the St Ann Parish Library, the police place the vehicle on a wrecker.

This measure fails to consider the many important government offices, businesses, and residential communities located in that area. Several prominent institutions are situated near the parish library, including the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the Registrar General’s Department (RGD), and the National Water Commission. In addition, there are businesses, offices, and residential communities — including a gated community — and residents and workers must pass the parish library in order to reach their homes or places of employment.

Under the new traffic arrangement PPVs are required to travel along the highway, make a left turn past the Tax Administration Jamaica office to reach the bus park, and then make a right turn from the bus park to return to the highway. This arrangement has created major inconveniences for commuters, particularly those who work or reside along Windsor Road.

Under normal circumstances commuters pay approximately $150 in taxi fare to reach their homes or workplaces along Windsor Road. However, since the implementation of these traffic measures, many individuals are now forced to charter a vehicle, which is costing $1,000 or more just to reach the same destination. Taxi operators are reluctant to enter the restricted areas because they fear their vehicles will be ticketed or placed on a wrecker. As a result, drivers are forced to take a much longer route along the highway before making a right turn to enter Windsor Road.

Additionally, it is impractical and, in many cases, impossible for commuters to walk from the bus park to these locations. The distance is considerable and the route is not convenient for many people, particularly senior citizens who frequently visit these government entities to access essential services. Elderly individuals who need to visit offices such as the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the Registrar General’s Department, or the National Water Commission now face tremendous difficulty accessing these services due to the current traffic restrictions.

This situation has created a daily struggle for many commuters. People are arriving late for work each morning, while others are forced to pay significantly higher transportation costs simply to reach their jobs or return home. At a time when the cost of living is already extremely high, these additional challenges place an unfair burden on working citizens and vulnerable members of the public.

Traffic management is important, but such measures must be practical, fair, and considerate of the realities faced by the public. The current arrangement in St Ann’s Bay does not appear to adequately consider the needs of commuters, workers, businesses, residents, and senior citizens who rely on reasonable access to transportation and public services.

I, therefore, urge the relevant authorities to review these traffic measures and engage in meaningful consultation with stakeholders in order to implement solutions that maintain order on the roads while ensuring reasonable access for the public.

Thank you for the opportunity to raise this matter of public concern.

Concerned citizen