IN A first for Durban, 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 26 March.

The one-day pilot programme will see a portion of the road closed off to vehicles, converting the street into an alfresco family friendly precinct.

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 26 March, 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.

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.”

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. The public is encouraged to support the pilot event.