PHILIPSBURG--The Police Department, on Monday, started with general vehicle controls on different locations on the Dutch side. The main focus of these controls is to give tickets to drivers who had not yet paid their vehicle road tax despite having ample time to do so.
Approximately 4,000 licence plates have not yet been paid for and collected on Monday; and so far, 60 fines were given and over 40 cars towed by Tuesday. Many drivers were given fines for not having the licence plate attached to the front and rear vehicle. Many of the licence plates were simply placed on the dashboard of the vehicle, which is also a violation of the Traffic Ordinance.
Police also noticed many car rental companies have rented out their vehicles to persons visiting the island without having the 2016 plates on. When these vehicles are stopped by police it causes visitors inconvenience and temporary delays. Police are reminding these rental companies that they are responsible for making sure the old licence plates on their vehicles are replaced with new ones. All car rental companies should make sure all of their vehicles, registered on the Dutch side, carry 2016 licence plates.
The ongoing search for the escape prisoner Kathron “Cuchi” Fortune is also as part of the controls. Officers were busy handing out “wanted” flyers offering a reward of NAf. 5,000 for information leading to his capture. The “wanted poster” can also be seen on most electronic billboards situated at different locations on the island.
The Justice Department continues to seek assistance from anyone in the community, on either side of the island, who may have information concerning the whereabouts of this fugitive to immediately call the authorities.
