NEWS RELEASE                                                                                            1 February 2002

 TRAFFIC PLAN WILL REDUCE CONGESTION AT J&B MET

A detailed traffic plan is in place to enhance the experience for the expected 40 000 visitors to Kenilworth Racecourse where the R1 million J&B Met will be run tomorrow.

Gone are the days when it took an hour to crawl by car from Wynberg as thousands of racegoers tried to park as close as possible to the racecourse.

Instead, each ticket has a map indicating where the ticket holder should park and from there spectators will be shuttled by combi to the Wetton Road entrance to the course.

Traffic flow will be monitored by helicopter and, if necessary, traffic lights will be adjusted at problem intersections.

Pat Lennox, Head of the Events Office at the City of Cape Town, said the City was determined to play its part in making the race experience enjoyable in all respects, including parking.

“The J&B Met is much more than a horse race,” said Lennox “and the Cape has a fast growing national and international reputation for its ability to host big events, with panache and service excellence.”

Traffic authorities are working closely with the race organisers to ensure that congestion is reduced to a minimum.

The detailed traffic plan for the J&B Met was introduced four years ago and the whole race experience has been transformed, especially in the last two years.

Most of the public parking will be at Youngsfield and the cricket ground in Wetton Road, and shuttle vehicles will be there to transport racegoers to the entrance.

“Our transport planners and traffic department have done a great job. By reducing congestion near the racecourse, we will also minimise inconvenience to other people in the Kenilworth area, including people shopping at the Kenilworth Centre,” said Lennox.

“We want visitors to know that they can relax and enjoy the race without having to worry about traffic and parking.” 

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