Public transport glitches at U-20 opener

The Junior All Whites and Ukraine kicked off at North Harbour Stadium this afternoon, but some fans were forced to run so as not to miss the start of the game. Photo / Twitter

The opening match of the under-20 Football World Cup has not run smoothly for some, with public transport issues causing problems for fans.

The Junior All Whites and Ukraine kicked off at North Harbour Stadium this afternoon, but some fans were forced to run so as not to miss the start of the game.

Spectator Jeremy Rees said the Northern Motorway was "clogged" before the game and it was hard to get a park. Parking was exacerbated by some fans driving to the stadium because buses at Smales Farm Park n Ride were full.

"People turned up to go on a bus, like they'd be told to, and the buses were full. A lot of people were running to get in before kick-off."

There was also confusion about where to go for those who were entering the stadium, and better signage was needed, he said.

Under 20 Local Organising Committee spokeswoman Tracie Simpson could not be contacted.

Inspector Cornell Kluessien, of Auckland, said there was a lot of traffic on Auckland roads, although the North Shore was not badly affected.

There were jams on the southern motorway at Hillsborough and Takanini, and in Auckland central early this afternoon.

Traffic was also jammed on the North Western Motorway at Pt Chevalier, he said.

"If one part of the motorway is busy it has a knock on effect."

There had also been 13 nose-to-tail crashes around the city early this afternoon, he said.
"That's more than usual."