Stakeholders mull over new MoBay traffic plans
Published:Tuesday | August 5, 2025 | 12:09 AMChristopher Thomas/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon says the implementation date for the city’s new traffic management plan will be announced once ongoing discussions between the St James Municipal Corporation (StJMC) and key stakeholders conclude.
Speaking with the media last Thursday, Vernon, who also chairs the StJMC, said the talks include plans to introduce traffic wardens in the city. Discussions have already been held with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), he confirmed.
“The traffic management plan for Montego Bay is something that the municipal corporation cannot singlehandedly deal with,” said Vernon, noting that the National Works Agency (NWA) and the Transport Authority also have key roles to play.
Vernon noted that he recently met with Senior Superintendent Eron Samuels of the JCF to explore the deployment of traffic wardens. However, implementation will require support from the Ministry of National Security, which oversees the Traffic Management Act.
“Once we have that in place, you will know more about it,” the mayor said.
Traffic congestion has long plagued Montego Bay, with daily gridlock frustrating motorists across the city. In November last year, the NWA carried out pothole repairs along Westgate and Howard Cooke Boulevard to ease congestion. However, more comprehensive solutions are needed.
One such long-term initiative is the Montego Bay Perimeter Road Project, which began in 2021 and is scheduled for completion in 2026. The project includes a 15-kilometre dual highway from Ironshore to Bogue, a 10.5-kilometre Long Hill bypass, and upgrades to West Green Avenue and Barnett Street – all aimed at improving traffic flow.