New Incentive Program Rolled Out for Removal of Derelict Vehicles

The government of Antigua and Barbuda has introduced a new incentive to accelerate the removal of derelict vehicles across the country.

Given the large number of abandoned cars, removals have been delayed. With initiatives like this, Cabinet expects the beautification effort to progress more quickly.

Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant provided brief details on the program.

“Once the police have marked these vehicles with that big red X, then if you are a private individual who wish to remove that vehicle, you coordinate that with the police and the Ministry of Social Transformation and you can remove that vehicle that is marked with that red X by the police and gain $150 per car.

“So, if you remove the car to the landfill, $150 is yours once you coordinate that with the police and the ministry believes that that will help in the removal of so many derelict vehicles in our communities,” Merchant explained.

Nearly two dozen derelict vehicles have already been cleared from the Yorks community as part of the government’s beautification push.

Launched in October, the initiative aims to improve the look of Antigua and Barbuda and address long-standing health and security risks. Abandoned vehicles—often left to rust along roadsides or in empty lots—have been a major concern nationwide.

Inspectors mark derelict vehicles with an “X,” giving owners notice and a chance to remove them voluntarily. If no action is taken, government crews use heavy-duty equipment to haul away the vehicles for proper disposal.

Officials say the campaign’s success depends on public cooperation. Residents are urged to take responsibility for their surroundings and support the effort to restore community spaces.