Most vehicles barred from inauguration

WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- Expecting unprecedented crowds for the Jan. 20 presidential inauguration, officials say they plan to ban most personal vehicles from the Washington ceremonies.

The idea is to keep the Mall, the U.S. Capitol and the parade route clear of traffic, The Washington Post said Thursday. Authorities urged people not to drive.

The ban would affect personal vehicles from all Potomac River bridge crossings from Virginia into Washington and from Interstates 395 and and 66 inside the Capital Beltway on Inauguration Day from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Some bridges and main thoroughfares with access to the city will remain open, including New York Avenue and the Sousa, Whitney Young and Benning Road bridges. But, Northern Virginia drivers would be able to reach Washington only from the Beltway in Maryland.

Walking, biking and mass transit, which is expected to be jammed, will provide the only access.

Virginia State Police Col. W. Steven Flaherty said in the event of a terrorist attack or other emergency, it would be easier to evacuate people if the roadways were kept as empty as possible.