Government considers vehicle-import moratorium as traffic measure

Government is considering a temporary moratorium on vehicle imports as one measure to address traffic congestion, according to Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication Grisha Heyliger-Marten. She said no decision has been made and that an assessment would be needed before any restriction could be imposed.

Government records list more than 600 taxi permits, while 399 operators have been confirmed compliant through an ongoing confirmation process, Heyliger-Marten said. About 300 bus permits appear in the records, with about 120 operators confirmed compliant. She said an unconfirmed permit does not automatically mean an operator is illegal or that a vehicle is operating.

The confirmation process is intended to establish which permits are active and whether operators have required documents and insurance, as well as whether vehicles and licence plates are linked to the relevant permits. Heyliger-Marten said the information would help Government assess the size of the public transportation market before longer-term decisions are made.

She also said Government is examining technology-based measures and additional parking capacity, including possibilities involving the former post office site in Philipsburg.