Antigua Tests New Traffic Rules

Antigua saw an unusually high number of cruise ship visitors as seven vessels docked at the Heritage Quay, Redcliffe Quay and Deep Water Harbor ports on Feb. 22. The seven ships, Oceana, Infinity, Golden Princess, Lirica, Club Med II, Regatta and Lili Marleeen, have a combined capacity of more than 10,000 passengers and crew. According to the Antigua Sun, this was an unusually large number of cruise vessels to dock in St. John’s at one time and was the third time this season that Antigua has hit this mark. The influx of visitors has led to a notable increase in traffic congestion in the St. John’s city center, particularly since new regulations enforced from Feb. 20 have dictated that some parking areas, traditionally available to the public, have now been reserved for tour operators and taxis. The new parking regulations are from a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between the government, including the police and the transport board, and the cruise and taxi associations. An increased number of traffic officers will be enforcing the new parking rules. (Source: Antigua Sun)