Politicians will get to avoid traffic jams during the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games

FEARS of being caught in traffic jams across the Gold Coast during the Commonwealth Games are growing. But there’s one way to get through the gridlock and it’s only open to a few.

A SELECT few politicians will be offered the chance to skip the traffic jams on the Gold Coast during the 2018 Commonwealth Games using emergency lanes set aside primarily for athletes and emergency services.

However Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, who has backed the use of public transport during the Games, says she will be using trains and trams to travel to Games events.

Ms Palaszczuk, Games Minister Kate Jones and a handful of others will have the option of using the Games lanes to travel between events.

M1 traffic conditions on the Gold Coast, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnball has announced funding for sections of the road — View from Robina overpass where the lanes go from three to two Photo: David Clark

Games lanes will run across major arterial roads between venues, including on Smith Street and Nerang-Broadbeach Road and will allow buses and cars carrying athletes and officials directly to their competition events to prevent the embarrassment of being late.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and members of the Royal Family will be allowed to use the lanes along with the Premier and Ms Jones who have championed the use of public transport during the event.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.

A Palaszczuk Government spokeswoman said the political leader’s use of the lanes was allowed under event security measures.

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“As Commonwealth Games hosts the Premier and Minister Jones will attend a number of official non-sporting events, including business, event administration and trade meetings, as well as medal ceremonies and media commitments,” she said in a statement to the Gold Coast Bulletin.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events Kate Jones. PICTURE: STEWART McLEAN

“When they and other officials, including the Prime Minister, travel to these events, they are required to follow Commonwealth Games Federation security and protocol advice, which may include travel in Games lanes on local Gold Coast roads.”

But the Premier says she will be riding the trams and trains like everyone else while attending sports events using tickets she purchased privately.

A spokeswoman for the Premier yesterday confirmed that while Ms Palaszczuk’s travel itinerary was yet to be finalised it would include several forms of transport, including the Gold Coast light rail

Commonwealth Games Federation president Louise Martin will travel in the special lanes while it is understood that Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate, Games bosses Peter Beattie and Mark Peters will not be allowed to use the lanes and must make their own travel arrangements..

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will attend the Games. Picture Kym smith

There will also be designated lanes on the hard shoulders of the M1 which will be under the control of the Queensland Police Service.

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Games traffic will not routinely use these lanes, with travel only allowed at police discretion.

Surfers Paradise MP and senior Opposition frontbencher John-Paul Langbroek said he would also use public transport to travel to events.

John Paul Langbroek

“Wayne Goss used to sit in the stands to watch the football,” he said.

“(The Premier) can still be with her security if she rides the bus or train like regular Gold Coasters and Queenslanders.

“I bought tickets and I have no expectations of being invited to anything so I will be getting there like anyone else.”