Florida Road to go car free for one day for Open Streets initiative

THE eThekwini Municipality announced yesterday that they will be launching a one-day Open Streets Florida Road pilot on March 26 to increase foot traffic to businesses on Florida Road in Morningside.

The Municipality said in a statement that a portion of the road will be closed to traffic on the day to promote active mobility.

“Open Streets Florida Road encourages the free and safe movement of pedestrians experiencing the space in new and exciting way. In a bold approach to encourage active mobility, the City will launch its Open Streets pilot on popular street, Florida Road, Morningside, on March 26,” said the City.

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The City said that the Open Streets concept is about pedestrianising some of the busy areas on occasion for Durbanites and visitors as well as creating spaces that are accessible and safe for a day-long outdoor pop-up event.

“The pilot will be used as an experiment where an assessment will be conducted on what works and how to improve the project for rollout in other areas around the City. From 9am to 5pm on March 26, no vehicles will be permitted from Florida Fields through to the top of 8th Avenue. Motorists can make use of guarded street parking in the vicinity (side roads and dedicated parking area nearby) of Florida Road to park their vehicles,” said the Municipality.

Head of eThekwini Transport Authority Thami Manyathi said: “There will be a range of activities that will entice the senses, tantalise the tastebuds and bring people together from all walks of life. There will be market stalls, live music, arts and crafts and children’s activities, to name a few.”

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From this proof of concept, the City’s Transport Authority will explore ways to “pedestrianise” other roads in and around Durban jointly with stakeholders on occasion.

“A strong motivator is encouraging social interaction, community building, local tourism, and family fellowship – and increased foot traffic to businesses in the area,” said the City.

The Municipality says that the public is encouraged to support the pilot event.

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