Traffic’s Up! So Ride the Bus

If you’re planning to drive to Pacific Beach, Mission Beach or Mission Bay today, better arrive well before noon.

Police officials, who anticipate record-breaking holiday beach crowds, announced plans Wednesday to block off traffic to sections of Mission Beach and Mission Bay by mid-morning today after beach-area parking lots fill up.

Only residents, emergency vehicles and employees will be allowed to enter the barricaded areas.

In past years, frustrated beach commuters parked in any available spaces, including driveways and emergency zones.

But tow trucks will be out in force this year, police said.

So take the bus, police advise. San Diego Transit is offering special park and ride bus service to the beach from designated pickup points.