Drivers urged to avoid Qld M1 during Games

Police have urged drivers not to unnecessarily travel on Queensland's busiest motorway during next year's Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

The state government has announced a raft of measures aimed at reducing traffic congestion on the Pacific Motorway while the 2018 Games are being held between April 4 and 15.

Speed limits will be reduced by 10km/h, trains operating between Brisbane and the Gold Coast will be increased, and 4.5-tonne trucks will be confined to the two left lanes.

Deputy police commissioner Steve Gollschewski said 320 traffic officers would also be "highly visible" throughout the event.

"Our focus is very much on making sure the roads are kept safe and kept moving," he said on Wednesday.

"Don't unnecessarily travel on the M1 during these times, it's about getting people where they need to be in a safe and quick manner."

Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said trucks would be confined to the two left lanes from August 1 to give drivers time to adjust.

"The intention is it will be kept after the Games because it will mean safety improvements on the motorway," he said on Wednesday.

"I think that's going to be a really great road safety legacy."

Mr Bailey said a proposal to drive athletes down the shoulder of the road under a police escort was a "contingency" plan only.

"We've got to be prepared for anything during the Commonwealth Games," he said, referring to the fact it would only be on a 9km stretch between Hope Island and the Smith St turn-off.

Commonwealth Games Kate Jones said all ticket-holders would receive free public transport but urged Games spectators to stay on the Gold Coast.

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for families," she said.

GOLDOC chief executive officer Mark Peters warned any company who engaged in price-gouging would miss out on guests, as more than 30,000 rooms were available.

Mr Peters expected the prices to only be a little more than those advertised during "peak Christmas time".

Applications for Games tickets open on Monday.