Agenda item

Following a request from Councillor Ms Smith the Chair agreed that item 12 on the agenda would be taken as the next item of business so that she could take part in any discussion as she would have to leave the meeting later due to another commitment.

The Forum was informed that Lancashire Constabulary had adopted the Association of Police Officers 'National Guidance' in relation to policing events and would not undertake any traffic management for an event on the highway other that those which were deemed by the police to be of national importance, such as Remembrance day parades.

Ms Smith reported that Parish Councils were concerned about the impact that this position would have on many events and parades which traditionally were held in towns across the Borough.

It was noted that such events often required the closure of roads for short periods and that the power to do so rested with local authorities rather than the Police. The Town Police Clauses Act 1847 enabled District Councils to prevent obstruction in streets in times of public procession, rejoicing or illuminations and in any case when the streets are thronged or liable to be obstructed. The County Council, under the Road traffic Act 1984 is able to close roads for a maximum of three days in any calendar year in order to regulate traffic on a temporary basis to facilitate sporting events, social events or entertainment on the highway. It was noted that the 1847 legislation was normally used for carnivals and processions where any road closure would be for a short period and there were no substantial traffic management required.

The Forum was informed that it was the responsibility of the event organiser to liaise with the relevant local authority about the event and determine what form of traffic management and marshalling were required. Ms Smith reported that Cliviger Parish Council had raised concerns regarding the cost of marshalling events with the PCC and it was noted that Padiham Town Council had similar concerns in relation to an event that would be held in November.

With regard to traffic management associated with football matches it was noted that the club would pay for any necessary road closures on match days and provide marshals. In response to a report that residents of Belvedere Road had been prevented from parking on match days as the road was used for coaches it was suggested that the matter be raised directly with the Chief Superintendent.

Mr Ballantyne reported that the County Council recognised that hiring or training marshals for an event could be costly and so consideration was being given to the establishment of an accredited training course which would enable County/District Council staff to be trained at a potentially reduced cost.

Members of the Forum agreed that in the future it would be essential that event organisers contact the local authority well in advance in order to establish what form of traffic management/level of marshalling would be required and so that the necessary action could be taken to put any road closures in place.

Agreed:

1.  That the proposed policy and procedure for highway management associated with events on the highways is noted.

2.  That the provision of an accredited training course by the County Council, as set out in the policy, be pursued in order to reduce the cost of providing marshals for events/parades in the future.