Political Convention Host Cities Gear Up For Traffic

It's easy to see why the restaurants and bars in downtown Tampa are excited about the upcoming Republican National Convention: It means steady business during a traditionally slow time of year.

But some downtown merchants -- and many workers -- aren't so thrilled. They're wondering about the protests, the parking, the traffic.

The RNC will create many challenges for those who work and live in downtown Tampa. A secure perimeter around the main venue will be maintained by the Secret Service, while other nearby roads and streets will also be in a locked-down mode.

Residents of Charlotte are also looking ahead to transportation challenges during the Democratic National Convention. That city plans to close or restrict access to 29 streets in the central business district.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)