remove their cars from some city streets or face parking fines.

Corporation of Hamilton Secretary Roger Sherratt issued the warning last night and said every year motorists suffered the wrath of traffic wardens.

From 6 p.m. until 10 p.m., cars and bikes should be removed from Lower Reid Street and Queen Street, which are earmarked as parking and traffic-free zones.

Most of the shops around the city centre will be open until late, and some of the Christmas lights will also be turned on for the first time this year, although there is no official switch-on ceremony planned.

The shops will stay open late every Friday from now until Christmas, with those same roads closed off to all traffic.

Mr. Sherratt said: "People must remember to remove their cars and bikes from Lower Reid Street and Queen Street or they will receive a $50 ticket. We know that parking fines are the last thing people want at this time of year.

"However, the Number One shed car park will be open free of charge until 10 p.m., so people will have no difficulty coming into Hamilton.'' Next Friday the Christmas Tree lights will be switched on in Church Street and Santa Claus will arrive as usual, making an appearance on the roof of the City Hall.

The Bermuda Regiment Band will be playing Christmas carols and members of Agape House will place decorations on the tree in memory of the terminally ill who have passed away there.

The remaining street lights will also be switched on during the celebrations.

The Tree of Light ceremony will begin at 5.50 p.m. and Mr. Sherratt promised it would be fun for everyone.