Klagenfurt puts transport to the test

UEFA EURO 2008™ host city Klagenfurt will put its transport plans into practice before the tournament begins to ensure the city is running smoothly come kick off.

Test run
A full test run will take place four days before Klagenfurt stages its first match on 8 June between Germany and Poland. A number of measures have been taken to ease congestion and make sure transport within the city is trouble free for the large number of supporters that are expected in the city during UEFA EURO 2008™. The Ringstrasse, or ring road, which runs round the centre of town, for instance, will be made one-way while most of the downtown area will be pedestrianised, with access restricted except for local businesses and residents. The new rules will be enforced on 4 June as a test ahead of the tournament to make sure it all works as planned.

'Empirical values'
"We need empirical values to find possible weak points and correct them in time," Carinthia governor Jörg Haider said. Klagenfurt mayor Harald Scheucher added: "This is the ideal opportunity to guarantee the fans the best possible transportation system." The changes will be publicised in advance and maps detailing the affected areas will be given out to residents and some 30,000 commuters before 4 June.