NEW PRE-XMAS ARRANGEMENTS TO EASE TRAFFIC CONGESTION
New traffic rules come into effect for Brown’ Town, St Ann on Monday, Dec. 18, that could see motorists paying to park and having their vehicles clamped if they break new ‘no parking’ rules.
(Mayor Sydney Stewart, right, giving details of the changes to traffic flow effective Monday, Dec. 18. Beside him is CEO of the St Ann Municipal Corporation Jennifer Brown Cunningham)
Changes are also being made in Ocho Rios and St Ann’s Bay but they are not as major as those for Brown’s Town.
‘No Parking’ will be in effect on Main Street and Top Road, Brown’s as of Monday, December 18
Vehicles illegally parked will be clamped and will be released only on payment of $2,500.
The measures were announced Wednesday, Dec. 13, at a press conference hosted by the St Ann Municipal Corporation (SAMC) at the Council’s chamber in St Ann Bay. It was stressed that more vehicles and people were expected in the main towns, especially in Brown’s Town. The aim is to allow an easy flow of traffic, increase safety and reduce criminal activity.
(Congested Brown’s Town, near the bus park. New traffic arrangements take effect Monday)
Chairman of the SAMC, Mayor Sydney Stewart said the municipal police, working in conjunction with the JCF will enforce the changes. He urged motorists to follow the rules and notifications to be posted in the town. The Council said payment for the release of the clamps will be made at the Market Office in Brown’s Town.
Paid parking will be available at Addison Park. The cost is $200 per hour and $1,000 for the day.
The changes are intended to keep the roadways clear and the Mayor insisted that no parking will be allowed either for vendors who often sell from their vehicles or for private motorists.
He stressed that the strict enforcement would take place on Grand Market Day. Brown’s Town has what is said to be the biggest Grand Market in Jamaica.
Meantime, the Mayor, and CEO Jennifer Brown Cunningham were asked whether the market vendors could lose business as customers would not want to park at Addison Park and walk back to the market. They both said they did not think the arrangements would lead to a loss of business in the market. Mrs Brown-Cunningham said that on the contrary people would now be better able to access the town, including the market.
Here’s the Mayor stressing information on the changes will be provided in many ways:
Meantime, people going south from the Cool Oasis service station and to Trelawny are encouraged to use alternative routes, and avoid going through the town.
