South Gloucestershire police will be putting well-rehearsed plans into action over the Easter holiday weekend to help manage traffic heading to the Badminton Horse Trials.
Around 140,000 people are expected to descend on the Badminton estate, which hosts one of the world’s largest equestrian events – second only to the Kentucky Derby.
The event runs from Thursday 21st April, with the cross country on Sunday and the last day of events on Easter Monday (25th April).
The police priority is to ensure visitors arrive safely with minimum disruption to people who live, work and travel in the immediate area.
PC Ian Cousins has been working behind the scenes at the event. He said: “Badminton Horse Trials has been running for many years and is a very well-planned and problem-free event. We work closely with the organisers and other agencies to keep it that way.
“The main traffic plan involves six police motorcycles working with the AA, Highways Agency, problem ‘spotters’ and the organisers to get thousands of vehicles through the country roads and safely onto the site. Please remember to leave as early as possible to avoid delay.”
Police will also be patrolling the site as they do at other major events, providing a reassuring presence and taking the opportunity to offer rural crime prevention advice to local people. Police and the organisers also have plans in place just in case of any emergency.
The Mounted Section will also be at the event, with the police horses providing an ideal way to patrol the site.
PC Cousins added: “Anyone travelling to the event is asked to check their event documentation beforehand for details of the relevant entrance and routes in to the site.
“Using satellite navigation systems is not recommended, as they will not take into account the traffic management plan.”
Source: Avon and Somerset Police
