The organisation says it will designate specific parking zones where motorists can park and use the continuous shuttle service to the parties which will be operated by JUTA Tours. This move, Evelyn Smith, chairperson of the JHTA Negril Chapter hopes, will ensure that the roadways remain clear for the easy flow of regular traffic, especially in cases of emergency.
"We are pleading with the patrons to use the parking lots and the shuttle system that will be designated for that period. There will be no parking allowed on the verges on Norman Manley Boulevard and vehicles spotted will be towed," Smith said.
Though the number of shuttles or the location of the designated parking lots have not yet been finalised, Smith said there will be an increase from the number of shuttles that were available last year.
Busiest days
"While we have not finalised the numbers, there will be more shuttles, especially on Friday and Saturday, as we deem these to be the busiest days," Smith explained. The shuttles will run from The RIU Hotel to the end of the strip with a select number running all the way to West End to facilitate persons rooming on that side of Negril.
The JHTA also plans on using larger parking lots this year, which will be opened on Thursday morning, and remain open until Monday morning. Access to these lots will not be limited to ATI patrons, but will be open to regular visitors to the properties on the strip.
The Negril Chapter of the JHTA is in full support of the weekend and Smith said they are looking forward to an exciting weekend. "Our members, large and small, are excited about this particular event, which has become a calendar event for the area and we welcome it," she said.
Daniel Abbott, one of the promoters of ATI, says she welcomes the increased number of shuttles.
Drinking and driving
"The shuttle system has proved to be effective over the years since it was first introduced, and we welcome the increase in numbers, especially on Saturday," he said.
He went on to further state that the increase in shuttles would encourage patrons to park their vehicles and make use of the shuttles once available. "Knowing that the shuttles are available and in large numbers will also deter people from drinking and driving," he concluded.