MEMBERS of Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) will be out in their numbers in downtown Kingston today as traffic changes come into effect.

Mayor of Kingston Andrew Swaby on Sunday told the Jamaica Observer that the presence of the police is just one of the measures being implemented to ensure there is no confusion as roads which were for two-way traffic are switched to one-way only, to ease anticipated traffic congestion in the busy market district during the Christmas season.

“We are running a public education campaign, which we started from the press conference last Thursday. We are putting in the directional signs today, and we have also rolled out a social media campaign where we realise that some people do not like to read but they like to see action, so we are letting people see arrows so they know what direction to turn,” said Swaby.

“The police will be on location Monday morning and all this week to help us to ensure that it is smooth sailing,” added Swaby.

He said Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) decided to introduce the one-way system on the roads this week so that any kinks can be worked out before the most hectic Christmas shopping period.

Under the temporary system the usually busy Heywood Street – heading east to west to Orange Street; West Street – heading south between Spanish Town Road and Beckford Street; Pechon Street – heading south between Spanish Town Road and Darling Street; and Beckford Street – heading west up to Orange Street, will all accomodate only one-way traffic.

In making the announcement at a media briefing last Thursday Swaby said the decision on the traffic changes was made following consultations involving the Public Safety Enforcement Branch (PSTEB) of the JCF, National Works Agency (NWA), and KSAMC’s Technical Services Division (City Engineer). He said this is part of KSAMC’s efforts to support the expected increase in activities during the festive period in downtown’s business district, and to ensure operations are done smoothly, safely, and efficiently.

According to Swaby, to ensure ease of access for pedestrian and vehicular traffic, overcrowded and unsightly areas have been addressed through a special project under which designated vending spaces have now been clearly outlined on Beckford Street, Princess Street, and Heywood Street.

The project was led by the corporation’s Inspection Enforcement And Security (City Inspector) Department, with support from National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) and the Markets Department.

“A major outcome of this reorganisation is the significant improvement in the flow of vehicular traffic. Previously, overcrowded streets made it difficult for vehicles to navigate, leading to congestion and posing safety issues for both drivers and pedestrians. With the streets now cleared and vending spaces properly outlined, more vehicles can pass through these areas without obstruction, reducing traffic jams and creating a safer environment for everyone. This improvement is a step forward in ensuring that downtown Kingston is more organised,” said Swaby.

He urged people going to the market district during the holiday shopping season to walk instead of driving to their destinations, due to limited parking spaces.

“I strongly encourage everyone to consider, when possible, parking their vehicles at legitimate parking spaces and walking to their destination — by doing so we can help reduce traffic build-up. Your cooperation in choosing to walk instead of drive when visiting downtown Kingston during this festive season will not only ease traffic but also contribute to a smoother experience for all,” he said.

In the meantime, acting assistant commissioner of police in charge of Area Four Michael Phipps said the implementation of the traffic changes will be strictly enforced by the cops who will be in the space.

“These changes were made for the convenience of all persons who will traverse the downtown market district. And, of course, these changes have been proven to be very effective and allowed for ease of access to all within the space,” said Phipps.