event traffic management, do it yourself event organisers told.

ORGANISERS of some major Gwent events are being told they have to manage their own traffic problems, a senior police officer says.

Officers have previously helped traffic manage events such as Hoggin’ The Bridge and the Monmouth Show.

But Superintendent Nigel Russell told the Argus that the police had been taking on additional responsibilities that should, according to the law and national guidance, lie with events organisers.

He said they are contacting events organisers to offer advice and help them form their own traffic management plan.

“What you can’t expect the police to do is stand in the road and direct traffic,” said Supt Russell, although he said police officers would be on site if required.

He added Gwent Police are one of the few forces that organise training for traffic marshall volunteers.

Remembrance Sunday parades, Armistice Day events, demonstrations and marches not part of a pre-planned event are not covered by the same rules, however.

Chepstow councillor Jacqui Sullivan, who runs Hoggin’ the Bridge, said they will be discussing with the police their options for training.

“We can’t move forward until we know exactly what the police are offering us,” she said.

The event, which saw 5,000 bikes head over the Severn Bridge last summer, raised £12,000 for a number of charities including Mencap.

Monmouth show secretary Kay Spencer said they have previously paid the police a discounted rate of £2,500 a year for traffic management help, but said they would now need to pay a company to do the work.

“We haven’t looked into it but it would undoubtedly be more expensive,” she said.

John Hallam of Maindee Festival said they were asked to prepare their own traffic management plans two years ago and use volunteers for the purpose.

Mitchell Platts, Ryder Cup spokesman, said traffic direction at the October tournament would be provided by suppliers to the Ryder Cup, with Gwent Police involved in “wider-scale traffic implications”.

Tags: Event Traffic Management, Gwent Police, Monmouth Show, traffic management

Category: Event Traffic Management