No parking around Wankhede during World Cup matches

Mumbai, Feb 22 (PTI) With intelligence inputs that terroroutfits may strike during World Cup matches by parkingexplosive laden vehicles, City police as a precautionarymeasure have decided not to allow parking within the radius ofone kilometre of the Wankhede stadium.

Police have appealed to spectators to opt for publictransport instead of private vehicles, the parking of whichwill not be allowed any where near the Wankhede stadium,where three matches including the Final is slated to be held.

"I would like to appeal to the spectators and people toopt for public transport during the matches as parking nearthe ground will not be allowed. Those who come in theirvehicles will have to park them either near Inox mall, Narimanpoint area or near Azad Maidan," Mumbai Police CommissionerSanjeev Dayal told PTI.

The areas where the parking would be allowed are locatedat least one kilometre away from the ground.

Asked about the intelligence inputs that terror elementsmay park explosive laden vehicles near the ground, he said,"No doubt there are some elements who are planning to spoilthe game. We are taking all precautionary measures to ensurethat everything goes well."

The city police chief also asked the spectators to arriveat the ground "well in advance" so that they could go throughall the security checking including frisking.

On March 13 and 18, New Zealand will play against Canadaand Sri Lanka respectively, while the final would be played onApril 2. .