Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit addressed the ongoing parking issues in Roseau during a press briefing on Friday. He acknowledged that the Dominica Government currently lacks the resources to construct a parking lot or parking building in the city. Skerrit emphasized the need for a collective effort to solve the problem and proposed several measures to limit the number of vehicles entering Roseau.
One proposal includes instituting parking meters and increasing fines for indiscriminate parking. Additionally, the fees for private parking in front of businesses could be substantially increased, and new bus stops could be built outside Roseau to reduce congestion in the city center.
PM Skerrit mentioned a previous comprehensive plan developed by the Public Works department, which included consultation with bus drivers. This plan proposed a bus terminal across the river, adjacent to the Riverside apartments, to address the influx of buses into the city. However, he noted that the proposal faced resistance from some stakeholders.
The Prime Minister made it clear that the police are not authorized to grant ‘no parking’ zones, and any such designations must go through a legal process involving the Cabinet and be officially gazetted. He stated that businesses wishing to have ‘no parking’ zones would need to pay substantial fees as they deny taxpayers access to public roads.
Skerrit also highlighted the importance of the Roseau Enhancement Project, which aims to address some parking issues. He mentioned the construction of several bridges by the government and proposed a bypass at the Botanic Gardens to alleviate traffic on Bath Road.
The government is considering various measures to manage parking in Roseau, including parking meters, increased fines, higher fees for private parking, and the construction of new bus stops outside the city. These efforts aim to reduce vehicle congestion and improve the overall traffic situation in Roseau.
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