RETRIEVAL OF HORSEDRAWN CARRIAGE LICENSES

THE Transport department at City Hall in Palma has announced its intention to withdraw licenses currently held for operating the horsedrawn carriages through the streets of Majorca's capital. Head of the department, Partido Popular deputy Carlos Veramendi confirmed that for now, the surrender of such licenses would be accepted on a voluntary basis in order to reduce the number of vehicles of this kind providing a service to tourists. In total, 50 licenses are valid although currently only 47 are operational. Following a meeting with representatives of the horsedrawn carriage drivers, the deputy reported that already there were ten who said they were happy to give up their licenses if an acceptable economic agreement could be reached with the Palma Town Council. He added that there would be a further meeting during the coming weeks. Veramendi, attending a government Economy and Tax meeting at City Hall set up to register proposed departmental budgets for 2006, signalled that “our objective is to provide a better service in the future.” At the same meeting, mayor's deputy for Town Planning, Javier Rodrigo de Santos announced that City Hall is to set aside 600'000 euros for a joint venture project which will oversee the building of a new government congress centre.