THERE will be 1,300 free parking lots available for cars for the upcoming Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2016 at the Polo Ground on Feb 9-10.

Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2016 at the Polo Ground on Feb 9-10. (image credit)

Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan said the parking lots are located at SK Jalan Residensi, SM Tuanku Puan Habsah, SMK (P) St. George, St. Christopher International Primary School, Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society and Taman Jajar in York Road. The empty parking space opposite Disted College will only be available on Feb 9.

“Visitors to the fiesta can park at these places for free,” he told a press conference in Komtar, Penang, on Monday.

Ooi said Sepoy Lines Road beside the Polo Ground would be closed to traffic from 10pm on Feb 8 to 10pm on Feb 10 while Tull Road would be temporarily turned into a one-way street on Feb 9 and 10, with traffic heading towards Gaol Road/Barrack Road.

He also said that the Penang Sports Club had granted permission for its field to be used as a helipad should there be a need for emergency helicopter transport for the Penang Hospital.

For those who prefer not to drive to the venue, there will be free shuttle buses from the Rapid Penang bus terminal in Weld Quay, Tesco Tanjung Tokong and Queensbay Mall on 30-minute or hourly intervals from 7am to 10pm.

Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan. (image credit)

Ooi said visitors could also opt for the MyTeksi app which is offering RM8 discount for passengers each way using the promotion code – HAB16.

The Hop-On Hop-Off bus City Route will also have extra drop-off stops near Polo Ground on both days.

Northeast district traffic police officer Asst Supt M. Matavan warned motorists not to park their vehicles along roadsides near the venue.

“They would be issued summonses and their vehicles towed away”.

The fiesta, to be held from 7am to 9.30pm on both days, will feature 15 hot air balloons, a ‘night glow’ show, free flying balloons and other family-orientated activities. It is organised by AKA Balloons, endorsed by the state government and supported by the Penang Island City Council and Penang Global Tourism.

For further details of the event, visit www.penanghotairballoonfiesta.com or http://penanghotairballoonfiesta.com/how-to-get-there.php for traffic updates.