Vehicles on Victoria Row 'out of control'

The City of Charlottetown is planning to step up enforcement to keep vehicles off Victoria Row in the downtown, which is designated as a pedestrian mall.

"It's been a horrendous problem over the last two years. It's gotten terrible," said Bill Watters, who operates a business on that part of Richmond Street.

These people, they just laugh in people's faces.Bill Watters

"My fear is some little kid or some senior lady is going to get hit by a car that is not supposed to be on the street."

Watters told CBC News a number of Victoria Row business owners approached him and asked him to talk to city officials about the problem. Service vehicle drivers realize there is no enforcement, Watterssaid,and are taking advantage to move around as they please.

"These people, they just laugh in people's faces because they know there's no enforcement," he said.

"I think if the city comes down and starts levelling the fines that are in the bylaws, starting with the stiffest ones of $500, I think word's going to get around real fast."

'Far from a pedestrian mall'

Deputy mayor Mike Duffy has been down on Victoria Row to investigate, and he agrees there is a problem.

"It's really out of control," said Duffy.

"There's five and six service vehicles parked down there all day long. It's far from a pedestrian mall."

Duffy admitted enforcement has been lax, but said the city would be tightening it up.

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