Public Backs New Derelict Vehicle Removal Incentive

Significant interest is being shown for the newly implemented incentive program for the removal of derelict vehicles.

“Individuals are making requests and indicating that they are prepared to remove these exed vehicles from the streets and taking them to the dumps. Persons are being contracted to work throughout the day in the removal of some of these derelict vehicles that are littering the entire country. So, work is being done where that is concerned and that was discussed and some decisions made,” Cabinet Spokesperson Maurice Merchant shared.

The government introduced the incentive last week to accelerate removals nationwide, though the high number of abandoned cars has caused delays.

“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.

Launched in October, the initiative seeks to enhance Antigua and Barbuda’s appearance and address health and security risks. Inspectors mark vehicles with an “X,” giving owners notice and time to act. If no action is taken, government crews use heavy equipment to haul away vehicles for proper disposal.

Officials emphasize that public cooperation is key. Residents are urged to help restore community spaces.