Cheltenham: Keeping Traffic Moving During Race Week

7 March 2014, 14:33 | Updated: 7 March 2014, 14:36

Cheltenham Borough Council, Gloucestershire Police, Gloucestershire County Council and other agencies will be working in partnership again this year to keep Cheltenham safe, moving and clean as over an extra 50,000 people per day descend on the town for the Cheltenham Festival.

Public Protection and police officers will be out every night during the week to carry out premises and licensed vehicle inspections to ensure they are not breaching conditions.

To make sure that traffic flows smoothly in and around Cheltenham during the 2014 racing festival, Cheltenham Borough Council will be working closely with the Gloucestershire Highways team at Gloucestershire County Council. They want to ensure that traffic going to and from the festival is managed as efficiently as possible, and that any travel disruption is kept to a minimum. 

Traffic orders will be in place on Albert Road, New Barn Lane, Evesham Road, Southam Road, Swindon Lane and Hill Court Road this year to help keep the traffic flowing. 

Councillor Pete Jeffries, cabinet member for housing, safety and communities, said: ''Our priority is for everyone visiting the town to have a safe and enjoyable time. We have excellent relationships with those who manage the night-time economy and who understand their responsibilities. The council, in partnership with officers from Gloucestershire Constabulary, will be out every night to carry out checks on premises to ensure compliance with these responsibilities so as to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable festival week.'' 

Chief Inspector Steve Gillett said: "Gloucestershire Police is fortunate to have strong, established relationships with partner agencies which will be vital to ensure that policing of race week goes smoothly and visitors to the town have an enjoyable experience. 

"Our number one priority is to keep visitors and residents safe during the week and although we are experienced in policing this event we won't be complacent. We would urge the public to work with us to ensure that everyone enjoys the week's festivities." 

Jim Daniels, Gloucestershire County Council's Parking Manager, says: ''During race week, Cheltenham sees an influx of visitors, which means there's a lot more traffic on the roads. 

''We're working with the borough council and the police to keep traffic moving through the town, getting visitors to the event with minimum disruption.'' 

Other activities during the week which the council will be stepping up checks with are street traders and taxi and private hire drivers. 

Unauthorised street traders can take advantage of residents and visitors who may end up buying illegal or fake goods. An unlicensed taxi not only takes trade away from regular Cheltenham taxis, but can also be unsafe for passengers. 

The council's cleansing team also has the job of cleaning the mess caused by an extra 50,000 plus people in the town per day. 

There will be additional signage around the town centre to help direct people to taxis, buses and toilet facilities; and additional toilets (portaloos) will also be available.