PHILIPSBURG – As St. Maarten enters its high tourist season, the Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the Ministry of VROMI and the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM), has enacted new public order measures to enhance safety and manage traffic in Philipsburg. Effective today, significant restrictions on two-wheeled motor vehicles will be enforced in the city's main shopping areas.
A key component of these measures is restricting scooters and motorcycles on Front Street and Back Street. This decision comes in response to a noted increase in the use of these vehicles as a fast getaway method in violent robberies targeting businesses in the Philipsburg area. The measure aims to directly address this public safety risk and support more effective law enforcement.
The restrictions will be in effect from Monday through Saturday, between 8:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. This ban also applies on public holidays and during any late-night shopping events for the whole duration of the extended hours.
In addition to the ban on two-wheeled vehicles, all vehicular traffic will be prohibited from entering Front Street at the Voges Street intersection in the westbound direction. This closure is intended to strengthen overall traffic control and assist officers with enforcement on the ground.
To ensure clarity and compliance, clear traffic signage has been installed at all relevant access points. All residents, visitors, and drivers are expected to follow the new rules. Residents living within the restricted zones are advised to plan their travel accordingly, as access may be limited during the specified times.
These measures are not designed to inconvenience the public but to protect public safety, support effective policing, and ensure Philipsburg remains a secure environment for residents to work and shop, and a welcoming place for visitors. The public is requested to comply with the restrictions, obey the signage, and follow all instructions from officers.