Several taxi operators are complaining that they have been receiving excessive traffic tickets from the police recently. They say police are unfairly targeting them because they have a daily quota to fill.

Dave, a cabbie, employed to a prominent company in Kingston, told THE STAR, "The police dem stop yuh fi nothing at all. Mi know fi a fact say dem have a quota fi fill!" Although reluctant to tell us where he got his information, he said, "A two book dem affi finish a day."

Another taxi driver, Damian, who plies the Half-Way Tree to Papine route, complained of receiving more than eight tickets since January. Others have attested to having their vehicles taken away which interferes with their means of livelihood.

unwarranted sanctions

Dave believes many of the tickets are unwarranted. "Dem need fi go curb crime and stop target taxi man," he said.

President of the Route Taxi Association (RTA) Sophia Campbell, when contacted said, "The industry has been facing a serious problem in recent months."

She explained that many cabbies believe the police use every offence as a reason to seize their cars. She said cars are taken away for simple offences such as drivers not wearing uniforms or when original documents are not presented to the police on spot. This, she says, "is not a feasible reason because a lot of vehicles are not owner-driven and owners don't like to give their drivers original documents because they often get lost."

The taxi operators said since the system was changed last year where original documents have to be presented on spot, things have been harder for them.

Dannyanother taxi operator, shared a different view from many of the taxi operators. "Dem nuh target taxi man alone dem target everybody," he said. "Robot man ano real taxi man 'cause dem outa order and no have nuh behaviour pan di road."

no quota system

When contacted, director of communications for the Jamaica Constabulary Force Karl Angell refuted the claims saying there is no quota system in place. "Utter and complete rubbish. Tickets are given to offenders ... people who break the law and do not abide by the road traffic laws," he said.

Sergeant Stanford Riley agreed. He said it would be impossible for there to be a quota system because "there are 25 tickets in one book, no such instructions would be given".

However, he noted that directives were given that "each member in the operation portfolio should carry in two cases per month ... whether by issuing tickets or by arresting persons".

In the meantime, Campbell says that the RTA has been taking steps to deal with the issue. She explained that in addition to meeting with the various stakeholders, "a software system is being put in place to protect the integrity of the documents of the taxi operators." She noted that the software, which will allow drivers to be registered on the system, would also enable insurance companies and the Island Traffic Authority to enter their own data in an effort to ensure fairness.

*Names changed