Dear Editor,
The police force said it has also received complaints from drivers claiming unclear signage, but reiterated that information on the parking situation and enforcement measures had already been shared with the public in recent weeks. Wow. I wonder if the prosecutor approved this?
Let’s start by explaining that it is time enough that whoever is in charge press on the young men and women of the force that tourism is our industrial force. I will not even hint that we have to look the other way sometimes.
On the contrary we have to face it head on. But we have to use our discretion and we have to be reasonable. Let me say off the bat: The easiest thing for the police officer to do is to encounter traffic violations. That is what drivers do. They do not adhere to the traffic rules. And they will do that here even more because they see that officers also live violating the traffic rules during their free time, with their private vehicles.
There is a saying “ Verbeter de wereld, begin met jezelf.” I can go on and on but it is in no intention to ridicule anyone, but two wrongs do not make a right. Also I do not think that the innocent should pay for the guilty. But I constantly ponder if the public of which the majority appreciate law and order is voicing its opinion, where is management? Signage speak constantly and the law is there for one and all to adhere to.
The tourists who come from the neighbouring islands and rent a car, rely on signage. They do not know what was said yesterday nor do they know what is forbidden if there is no signage.
Years ago we had a Frontstreet which only needed maintainance. Somebody convinced the others that Frontstreet needed transformation and indeed today we can see that that transformation retransformed Frontstreet.
Was Irma the real reason for stores in Frontstreet not coming back? And what is the real motivation for rigorous towing of motor vehicles? As often as I drive up the Cannegieterstreet I have to stop for the buses that stop in the middle of the road because the gypsies make the bus stop in front of Dubble Decker their own. I believe an Immigration raid would produce good results.
Was there a meeting between Minister of Tourism, Minister of Justice and Minister of VROMI and their advisors, knowing that parking in around Philipsburg is very limited?
A word to the wise Always remember that the majority of any population appreciate law and order. Let’s be reasonable about it. The fines will come without a towing campaign. If the traffic signs are here, place them. Be fair to the people so that they can decide what and what not to do.
Russell A. Simmons
