Security lockdown for Cannes G20

Security zones for G20 Cannes

The luxury French Riviera city will welcome 19 of the world’s most influential leaders for the summit, which is to take place between 3rd and 4th November. There will be three security zones:

Zone 1 will involve a complete lockdown, reserved only for delegates, G20 staff and security. It will take in the port, the Croisette and areas surrounding selected hotels, and will be in force from 31st October to 6pm 4th November.

Zone 2 is less restrictive and takes in the main part of the city centre. Permits are required, however, for residents, workers, tourists and anyone else who needs to be in the area. Cars must also display permits.

Zone 3 involves increased video surveillance on the A8 between Vallauris and Mandelieu La Napoule. Traffic delays are expected from 2nd to 4th November.

On the water, boat users will not be allowed within 300 metres of zone 1. There will be a meeting on 3rd October to discuss further restrictions. Swimming, diving and fishing will also be forbidden in this area.

The Cannes Mandelieu airport will be closed at midnight 1st November to 5th November. Nice Côte d’Azur will operate commercial flights, however some may be disrupted. Prior approval is required for non-commercial and private flights.

So far, 21,000 people have requested access permits. Only people aged over 12 years will be required to have a permit, under 12s must carry identification.

There will be one security spin-off for Cannes - the city will benefit from the installation of 40 new surveillance cameras.

Overall, around 10,000 police officers and military will be deployed to protect 35 delegates from across the globe. Secretary General of the French Presidency, Laurent Stefanini, has reportedly put the total cost of the G20 security at 20 million euros, a figure that falls far short of what President Nicolas Sarkozy had initially signalled.

Sarah Lloyd & Cassandra Tanti