Gold Coast residents fear serious traffic problems on the M1 during Commonwealth Games

A SHOCK poll has revealed just how bad the Gold Coast’s traffic is going to get during the Commonwealth Games and the state’s Transport Minister has a message for motorists.

TRANSPORT Minister Mark Bailey has told Gold Coast residents they must have a plan for travel during the Commonwealth Games after a shock poll showed an overwhelming majority of people have no intention of staying off the roads.

A survey of more than 1200 Gold Coasters by the Gold Coast Bulletin makes sobering reading, with 65 per cent of people declaring they have no plans to stay off the road, despite an extra 620,000 visitors in the city.

And not only do they not have a plan, a majority of those surveyed say they have no plans to change anything about how they get around.

GET SET FOR THE GAMES

“People will still have to use the roads but they will need to have a plan because let’s be clear, there’s going to be a hell of a lot more traffic on the roads and they will have to have other options for how to get around rather than driving,’’ Mr Bailey said.

‘There will be a lot of alternatives to driving such as the light rail and buses as well as plenty more.”

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey. Pic Annette Dew

The survey showed 89 per cent of people were concerned the M1 would grind to a halt, with most planning to avoid travelling on the Pacific Motorway altogether for the duration of the Games.

Those surveyed believe just half of Gold Coasters have come with a travel plan.

But more concerning, 66 per cent say they are unaware of upcoming road closures, venues or events which would affect them during the Games.

HOW TO AVOID GAMES GRIDLOCK

The State Government’s Transport Plan for the Commonwealth Games will be unveiled by Mr Bailey tomorrow.

Changes include extra light rail services as well as a smartphone app that will allow locals and businesses to plan trips.

Trams will form part of the solution to transport issues on the Coast. Picture John Gass

Mr Bailey acknowledged the survey’s results showed people were reluctant to change their behaviour but said they needed to be flexible.

“Releasing this plan will give people two months of notice to get their heads around it but some will find it difficult to change their patterns,” he said.

“People need to be fully informed and the key is to consider public transport, be informed and consider how you are getting around.”

The State Government last month launched a campaign to help reduce road congestion during the Games.

The Get Set for the Games campaign, which drew criticism for its depiction of a tradie riding a pink bike, asked locals to consider alternative forms of travel.