Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby has declared an immediate escalation in the removal of derelict and illegally parked vehicles throughout the Corporate Area, citing critical public health and safety concerns. The urgent appeal was made during Tuesday’s monthly assembly of the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), where Mayor Swaby highlighted the severe strain on municipal resources and storage capacity.
Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, Swaby revealed that January alone witnessed nearly 200 official notices issued for improper usage of sidewalks and roadways. This enforcement surge aligns with the broader Cleaner Kingston Initiative—a collaborative campaign between KSAMC and the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) designed to revitalize urban areas through enhanced sanitation, waste management, and public space maintenance.
Detailed operational data shows proactive measures by the City Inspector’s Department, including 170 encroachment notices last month. These targeted 62 derelict properties, 6 illegal structures, 14 street-side garages, and 88 abandoned vehicles, culminating in the removal of 25 cars from public thoroughfares. The mayor specifically identified neighborhoods such as Stony Hill, Cross Roads Market, and Olympic Way as priority zones for the ongoing operation.
Historical context underscores the persistence of this issue, with KSAMC having issued over 1,000 public health and road nuisance notices related to abandoned vehicles and properties in 2024. The current drive will also focus on high-density areas including Lemington Avenue, Hagley Park Road, and Padmore Drive, alongside illegal garages in Lyndhurst Close and Standpipe Lane.
Complementing the vehicle removal efforts, authorities have cleared 605 unauthorized event and party signs since January to uphold public order. Mayor Swaby concluded with a renewed call to action for all residents, businesses, and stakeholders to contribute collectively to preserving Kingston’s cleanliness, accessibility, and aesthetic appeal.