The route runs past the event’s SEC venue on the north bank of the River Clyde. Its closure during COP26 is expected to require some suppression of demand among motorists in Glasgow, who are being encouraged during the event to plan their journeys in advance.

They are also being asked to think about travelling outside of peak times, consider whether their journey is necessary and where possible to leave the car at home and use alternative modes such as public transport.

“Latest data shows the transport network in Glasgow and Scotland’s central belt will be extremely busy during COP26,” said Transport Scotland’s head of events resilience Nicola Blaney, who is also CIHT Scotland chair.

“Severe congestion on certain days is expected due to a combination of road closures, security measures, an influx of delegates, poor weather and likely protests,” she added. "It's this unique mix of factors – some of which are unknown in terms of impact and timing – that makes this conference so challenging to plan for. However, we would urge people to plan ahead and check before they travel, as a minimum.”

A getreadyglasgow.com website is live with details of when various roads, footpaths and cycleways will be closed across the city during the conference, as well as expected congestion hot spots and diversionary routes.

Further transport measures introduced for COP26 – which finishes on 12 November – include provision of a fleet of electric shuttle buses for conference delegates, who are each set to receive free travel smartcards.

Glasgow City Council’s head of COP26 Denise Hamilton said: “We have spent the past 18 months putting plans in place to support this hugely complex event and keep Glasgow moving and open for business. The city is ready for what is going to be the largest gathering of world leaders that the UK has ever seen.

“But as well as world leaders, protestors and activists are also coming to Glasgow and their actions may have an additional impact and unpredictable effects on traffic in and around the city,” she added. “That's why we're urging everyone to be flexible and plan ahead.”

CIHT is involved in various platforms at COP26 - you can find out more about this activity here or on our Route to Net Zero pages.

Glasgow COP 26 - (Photograph: David M. Gray and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence)