TO PREVENT traffic congestion that typically dogs major sporting events, the LOC will implement innovative Park and Walk (P&W) and Park and Ride (P&R) systems during Cricket World Cup '07. These systems will be in place from March to April and on match days.

The LOC's transportation manager, Major Desmond Brown, explained that unlike previous major sporting events, patrons will not be able to drive to and park on the stadium parking lots or on roads nearby the two stadia.

In designated P&R areas, patrons may park their cars then hop on to a LOC provided shuttle bus taking them to match venues. In Kingston, the P&R areas will be the National Stadium, National Heroes Park and the UDC car park.

In Trelawny, the P&R areas are Rock playing field, Hague Show-ground, Daniel Town playing field and the Old Dump ground.

P&W areas

There will also be P&W areas where patrons may park and then walk to the venues. In Kingston, these are Up Park Camp Duppy Gate and National Heroes Park. The LOC has not yet finalised Trelawny's P&W area which might be the area north of the stadium, said Brown.

Brown also noted that the LOC is currently looking into two P&R sites for persons coming from the eastern end of the island.

The LOC is working on commercial licensing agreements with buses to transport cricket enthusiasts wishing to travel from one stadium to the next.

Arrangements are also being worked out for persons who would prefer to take taxis to the stadium sites. The LOC will contract taxis which will be registered and accredited for entry at the edge of the Red Zone (the stadium) where they will let off passengers.

Buses will let off passengers at the edge of the Red Zone also. Only persons with match tickets and vehicles that have been accredited (with decals) will be let into this area. All vehicles and persons will undergo security checks at this point.

Only emergency vehicles carrying the players, heads of government, and officials will allowed into the Red Zone. Delivery trucks will be thoroughly checked and escorted into the Red Zone and escorted out.

The LOC will be in charge of transporting the teams, media, VIPs, officials and sponsors to and from the stadium sites. They will also be responsible for the P&R service.

Brown emphasises that it will not be business as usual when it comes to parking. "Persons have to use the park and ride or park and walk areas," he said. "If you park in a no park area you will be towed at an expensive fee," he said.

However, businesses and residents located in areas around the two stadia will be issued with decals for their vehicles. This will prevent towing he asserted.

The LOC transportation manager noted the LOC is cognisant of concerns that business persons may have about the no parking arrangements in their areas. The LOC has asked them to make written presentations about their concerns by October 20. The LOC will try to deal with all these concerns, Brown said.