THE EDITOR, Sir:
I wish to draw attention to flaws in the operations of the Transport Authority.
On January 15, 2003, when the Inspectors from the Authority visited Port Antonio, I made an application for a Carriers Licence for a motor truck at approximately 9:00 a.m. All documentation was presented and a fee paid.
The same day at 1:40 p.m. I received a call from the driver that the vehicle was detained on Constant Spring Road. I asked to speak to an Inspector, on phone, stating what had taken place and giving the name of the authorised officer who had issued the receipt, and the number of the receipt. I was however told in no uncertain terms that the fee had to be paid again on Constant Spring Road or the vehicle would be seized. There was a wrecker standing by to remove the vehicle. The driver, who was not the owner, had to comply and paid the fee then and there.
Now I have had to pay twice for the licence because some officer was not competent to make an intelligent decision and I have both receipts to prove this.
Other motorists have had their vehicles removed and impounded, leading in many cases to a loss of income without any redress unless someone takes it to the courts. In many cases the infringement, if any, could have been taken care of by a summons.
Are these officers trained to be robots? If so they will be placing the government in a position when their decision may prove costly.
Is there a collusion between officers of the Transport Authority and the wrecker companies?
I must admit that the incident was a source of embarrassment to the officer who had issued the receipt in Port Antonio. If the Transport Authority is to carry out its functions in a proper manner it must immediately see to the training of its personnel. In many instances it's not the government that is to be blamed, but those who are carrying out its directives.
This kind of behaviour can only feed the fires of social unrest.
I am, etc.,
MICHAEL BRAMWELL
P.O. Box 22
Port Antonio
