parking and pedestrian arrangements, as it attempts to deal with its traffic problems.

With the new cruise ship, Royal Majesty , set to call on the old town at the end of this month, at least 1,500 more visitors are expected each week.

Alderman Mrs. Noela Haycock said the changes were needed because St. George's was a "17th century town dealing with 20th century traffic problems''.

At a public meeting on Wednesday night, Mr. Larry Jacobs, chairman of a Government committee whose mandate is to improve transport throughout the Island, explained the committee's plans for St. George's.

The committee has been working with the St. George's community since October and is composed of people with expertise in the transportation field, such as Mr. Donald Dane, Director of the Transport Control Board and Mr. Ron Ross, Director of Marine and Ports.

Although the plans are still provisional, Mr. Jacobs said that the committee was focusing on easing traffic and pedestrian congestion during peak periods.

Those periods were Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

He said that changes to the bus schedule had already been made. This was done last month, in response to complaints that the bus service stopped too early.

Since April 18, there has been a half hour service until 11.30 p.m. and tokens, bus passes and tickets are now easier to obtain.

They are available at the Post Office, and visitors can get them at the Visitors' Information Bureau on the square and at Penno's wharf.

To deal with the usual overcrowding on Wednesdays, Government is introducing a new ferry service between St. George's and Dockyard at a cost of $10.

Changes planned include the banning of taxis on the centre of the square after May 29. Instead, all taxis for hire will be located near the White Horse Tavern, and will be separated from the Taxi tours.

Taxi tours will park on Ordnance Island.

Cycles will also be banned from the square and livery cycles will allowed to park on York Street.

Buses picking up Royal Majesty visitors for tours will be able to park on Ordnance Island, but only long enough to pick up and drop them off.

Two traffic guides have been hired to ensure that people park in the right places and observe all the new regulations regarding traffic.

St. George's mayor the Wor. Henry Hayward said that a lot of thought had gone into the plan, but it would be constantly reviewed once implemented.

"I think it will really ease the congestion problems we've been having,'' he said. "And it should make the town more attractive to our visitors though it's going to take a little getting used to, especially for the locals.''