Police traffic reforms ‘a threat to events’

MAJOR public events in Monmouthshire could be left without any traffic police support, putting their very future in jeopardy it has been claimed.

Gwent Police says it may no longer provide officers to direct traffic at major public events such as Hoggin’ the Bridge and Monmouthshire Show, even if organisers wish to pay the costs themselves, as part of a New Year review.

“We will naturally review the traffic management arrangements put in place by the organisers”, said a police spokeswoman.

Event organisers say the move could put future dates at risk.

A report going before a Monmouthshire County Council area committee meeting today states the police “will not agree to any traffic management plan that has a requirement for police officers or community support officers to direct traffic even if the event organisers are willing to pay for the police to do it.”

Public events rely on police enforcement of road closures – and organisers say that without their help the events could not go ahead.

South Monmouthshire’s area general manager Tim Macdermott labelled the change “a tragedy”.

He said: “This is not only going to impact on Hoggin’ the Bridge but lots of other events. We have spent a long time getting events up and running. I think it would be a tragedy.”

A police spokeswoman said: “Gwent Police introduced a centralised planning team to take on responsibility for planning the police response to events where large numbers of people are expected to attend. Members of the team will be making contact with event organisers to discuss arrangements for the coming year.”

Mr Macdermott says he is meeting Superintendent Nigel Russell to discuss the moves.

“We will be liasing with the police to see whether these events can go ahead with police support this year,” he said.

Chepstow town centre Cllr Jacqui Sullivan, who has also taken over running of Hoggin’ the Bridge said: “I am seriously concerned. It would be a disaster if this did happen but I want to work with the police to find a compromise.”