Durban ready to manage COP17 traffic
2011/17/11

With almost 25,000 people flocking to Durban for UNFCCC COP17/CMP7, the city will be increasingly busy.

Roads Systems Manager at the eThekwini Transport Authority, Carlos Esteves, and Metro Police believe adequate plans have been put into place to manage traffic during this period.

"The city centre and the area immediately around the ICC precinct will be completely closed to traffic from 8 November to 12 December, but other than that it's business as usual," Esteves said.

The city has also made environmentally friendly transport options available for COP17 delegates.

An airport shuttle will be in operation from 17 November to 14 December and is open to anybody at R130 per single journey.

It will stop at Gateway, Umhlanga and the Beachfront en route to its final destination at the Central Transport Hub (CTH) at the centrum site in the city centre.

Specially marked COP17 bus stops will be clearly identifiable along all routes. In addition, eight Durban hotels will be selling tickets and will be available from the concierge.

COP17 delegates will be able to travel on all the shuttle buses for free by showing their delegate accreditation on embarking.

Meanwhile, two bike routes have been specially created for the conference period. New designated bike lanes have also been increased for those delegates who wish to ride to the ICC precinct.

Accredited delegates and media will be allowed into the ICC precinct for the entire period.

The general public will have access to parking at the various parking garages in the city and open parking along the Beachfront. From there, a short walk or use of the People Mover will get them to the CCR Expo site. BuaNews