WATCH: Taxi Operators Call for Proper Policing as Minister Freeland Reviews Concerns in St. John’s

Taxi association representatives have called for better policing in St. John’s, saying parking violations and passenger solicitation are disrupting operations around Heritage Quay and other parts of the city.

The concerns were raised during a walkthrough with Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Michael Freeland, who accompanied operators to several locations to examine the difficulties they face while serving cruise passengers.

Operators said drivers outside the association were occupying designated taxi spaces, while double-parking and vehicles stopped along yellow lines restricted access and made it difficult for buses to manoeuvre.

They called for stronger police presence and consistent enforcement to address the practices, which they said were affecting the orderly movement of vehicles and the collection of passengers.

A representative outlining the concerns said some vehicles displaying airport taxi stickers were using spaces designated for the St. John’s taxi association.

The walkthrough allowed association members to show the minister locations where improperly parked vehicles were making it difficult for buses to enter and leave the area.

Their concerns extended beyond the designated taxi spaces to traffic movement through surrounding streets.

Passenger solicitation within Heritage Quay was another issue raised during the visit.

The association operates from two areas, including a location closer to the cruise vessels. Representatives complained that individuals outside the association were approaching visitors before they reached the established taxi collection points and directing them elsewhere.

According to the account of the walkthrough, some solicitors positioned themselves between sections of the boardwalk to intercept passengers. Operators also raised concerns about drivers working without stickers identifying them as association members.

The representatives want greater oversight of parking and passenger collection arrangements, alongside proper policing to ensure that designated spaces remain accessible and traffic can move more freely.

They said addressing these concerns would allow taxi operators to carry out their work more efficiently and improve the experience of visitors moving through the cruise port area.

The walkthrough allowed Freeland to observe the locations identified and hear directly from operators. No specific enforcement measures or commitments were outlined in the account of the visit.