Traffic changes for Ocho Rios and Brown’s Town in St. Ann have been outlined for the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

According to the St Ann Municipal Corporation chairman and St Ann’s Bay Mayor, Councillor Sydney Stewart, the changes take effect December 18, and will run until January 3, 2024.

He said the adjustments aim to facilitate the expected surge in Christmas and New Year holiday activities by promoting seamless traffic flow and supporting vendors operating in designated areas during this period.

“In Ocho Rios, the following will take effect and should be adhered to by motorists and vendors. There will be no entry from Pablo’s onto Main Street. [Also], no vending will be allowed on Newlin Street and DaCosta Drive,” he outlined.

The mayor further advised: “All vendors should vend along Market Street… and the market environs… until Wednesday, January 3, 2024; all other arrangements remain the same.”

As it relates to Brown’s Town, there will be no parking allowed on Main Street and Top Road. Instead, the area will be used for pedestrians. Designated parking will be available at the Addison Park Complex at $1,000 per day and $200 per hour.

The mayor warned that all unauthorised parked vehicles along the corridor will be clamped and released for $2,500.

St. Ann’s Bay will maintain its existing traffic arrangements, which Councillor Stewart says have proven effective in facilitating vehicular flow without impeding pedestrians.

“The understanding we received from the police is that they are going to have enough personnel on site and in different locations to make sure that everything can and will run smoothly. We certainly want to ensure that we protect the general public, the motoring public, the pedestrian public, the vendors, and the customers who are coming in to buy,” he indicated.