The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has issued a comprehensive defense of its vehicle towing operations, emphasizing that wrecking illegally parked vehicles constitutes a critical public safety necessity rather than a punitive measure. In an official January 13th release, the police service outlined its statutory mandate to maintain road safety, ensure unimpeded traffic flow, and uphold law and order across the nation’s transportation networks.
According to the TTPS, unlawfully parked vehicles present substantial hazards including emergency service obstructions, compromised visibility for road users, and blocked access to essential facilities such as hospitals, police stations, and fire routes. These violations significantly exacerbate traffic congestion while disrupting the efficient movement of both vehicles and pedestrians, consequently elevating accident risks and endangering public safety.
The wrecking operations are conducted under the legal framework established by the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, which authorizes officers to remove vehicles violating parking regulations when they jeopardize safety, traffic movement, or public order. The TTPS stressed that the primary objective remains behavioral modification and voluntary compliance with traffic regulations rather than punishment.
Police authorities have detailed specific procedural protocols for vehicle removal. Officers must conduct brief inquiries within the immediate vicinity to locate vehicle drivers before initiating towing procedures. If drivers are located, officers will issue appropriate charges and request immediate vehicle relocation. Should motorists refuse compliance, vehicles will be impounded. In cases where vehicles are already being hooked but not yet removed when owners appear, officers will release vehicles while still issuing violation tickets or pursuing prosecution for non-ticketed offenses.
For vehicle recovery, the TTPS has designated its South Quay impound yard in Port of Spain (opposite Courts) as the central processing facility, operating between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM daily. Motorists must present a valid driver’s permit and proof of insurance to retrieve vehicles, accompanied by a $500 release fee. Additional overnight storage fees apply at $200 per day, with cash serving as the exclusive payment method.
The police service continues to appeal for responsible parking practices, urging drivers to observe all traffic signage and road markings while remaining mindful of fellow road users’ safety and convenience. Public cooperation is characterized as essential for creating safer roads and more orderly communities, with the TTPS reaffirming its commitment to employing all lawful measures necessary to ensure roadway safety.