COUNCIL SAYS NOTICE SERVED ON VENDORS BUT NO DETAILS PROVIDED
RUNAWAY BAY, St Ann; Jan. 11, 2025
Months after the intersection at Runaway Bay descended into chaos, fuelling long traffic delays and other inconvenience to motorists and pedestrians alike, the St Ann Municipal Corporation (SAMC) says it has served notice on vendors there to cease their activities.
The sidewalk next to a supermarket is taken over by vendors as is the other side of the roadway next to the Post Office.
(Looking northwest, bus parked making delivery)
In addition, buses stop within several feet of the intersection to let down and pick up passengers, creating a hazard for motorists turning from the Runaway Bay Main Road (North Coast Highway) onto the road to Brown’s Town. Buses stop on the other side of the road too, often causing a complete blockage.
(A closer look at the sidewalk)
Users and observers have commented about the lack of action by the police in removing the dangers created, and bringing order to the space, especially since the police station is literally right around the corner.
The matter of the vending has come before the St Ann Municipal Corporation months ago, without any improvement. At the monthly meeting in November 2024 it was again raised. However all that was minuted for the December meeting was this, under the caption “Operation of Market in the vicinity of Runaway Bay Post Office”.
(Another view)
It was minuted thus: “The Municipal Police was asked to investigate the matter at caption which was previously brought to attention of Council.”
No mention was made of it at the December meeting.
At the monthly General meeting of the SAMC on Thursday, January 10, the matter was raised again. CEO of the Council, Jennifer Brown Cunningham told the meeting that the Municipal Police had served notice. Questioned further by a councillor, who mentioned that the sidewalks were still occupied by vendors, the CEO said the vendors were served notice that would be either seven or 14 days after which there would be action.
There were no specifics given about how many notices were served or when they were served.
Runaway Bay has no designated market area and a transport bay or lay-by east of the police station is not used for the intended purpose.
Here is a video released in December on TikTok of a typical traffic scene entering the intersection next to the police station
