Police urge motorists to mind horse-drawn vehicles as Appleby Fair approaches
Above: Wagons at Appleby in 2012. There were no serious accidents last year and Police are urging road users to keep looking out for each other
PRESS RELEASE
IN just over a month Cumbria will start to see more horse drawn vehicles and caravans on the roads as Gypsies and Travellers make their way to Appleby Horse Fair.
The vital message is that all road users take extra care in the coming weeks.
Appleby Horse Fair, which runs this year from 5th -11th of June, with the main days being the Friday, Saturday and Sunday, attracts up to 50,000 visitors, can cause travel issues.
Horse drawn trailers and caravans will use the main roads into Appleby, including the busy A66 plus other roads across the north of England. Police are reminding motorists to be extra vigilant at this time of year to prevent any accidents.
Chief Inspector Matthew Kennerley, who heads the Operational Support Unit, said: “Every year we issue messages about people being careful at this time and having an awareness of slow moving vehicles being in the area.
“Thankfully these messages appear to have got through to people, with no serious collisions last year. However, we cannot be complacent.
“Many Gypsies and Travellers use the traditional method to travel to the fair, by bow top caravans being pulled by horses. These are beautiful to see, but do travel very slowly and caution is required.
“If you are behind slow moving traffic, think about what is in front of you, don’t just try and overtake as there could be a horse drawn vehicle in front. We are encouraging everyone to slow down and be extra cautious over the coming weeks.
“We are also appealing to drivers of horse drawn vehicles to pull in when they are able to, in order to allow traffic to move more freely and reminding them to be as visible as possible in order to highlight their presence on the road.
“The A66 is a particularly important route for haulage vehicles and we will continue to do all we reasonably can to make sure these messages are communicated effectively to that industry, so that these very professional drivers are aware of the dangers and can take extra care.
“By us all working together and having an awareness of each other, we will be able to dramatically reduce the likelihood of an accident.
Police and Crime Commissioner, Richard Rhodes said: “Road safety is a key priority for the people of Cumbria and especially during Appleby Fair when there is a significant number of slower moving vehicles. I would urge all road users to behave responsibly.”
Cllr Keith Little, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet member responsible for highways and road safety, said:
“Our highways team will again be working with the police to ensure we keep our roads safe and useable around Fair time. During the run up to the event, we will continue to erect posts and signs to prevent parking on verges in inappropriate locations, we will also provide warning signs and information to drivers to take extra care as horse drawn vehicles will be using the roads. Some roads in Appleby will be closed or made one-way during the Fair for the safety of those visiting and to help traffic move around. We will also be installing safety barriers and temporary signs in various locations around Appleby to help guide pedestrians to safer walking routes and drivers to available car parks.”
Police offer the following advice to road users:
- You never know what is around the next corner so slow down and take extra care
- Be aware of vehicles towing caravans and slow horse drawn vehicles – horses can be easily “spooked”. Avoid revving your engine and turn your music down. Give horses plenty of room and pass carefully
- Be aware of pedestrians. Pedestrians should only use designated crossing areas for their own safety and wear high visibility clothing where possible
- Allow more time for your journey at peak times, and be patient and courteous if you are delayed
- If you are in charge of a horse drawn or slow moving vehicle, ensure that you are easily visible. Consider your route carefully, with your own safety being paramount.
For more road safety advice, visit www.cumbria.police.uk or contact your local policing team on 101.
In just over a month Cumbria will start to see more horse drawn vehicles and
caravans on the roads as gypsies and travellers make their way to Appleby Horse
Fair.
The vital message is that all road users take extra care in the coming weeks.
Appleby Horse Fair, which runs this year from 5th
-11th
of June, with the main days
being the Friday, Saturday and Sunday, attracts up to 50,000 visitors, can cause
travel issues.
Horse drawn trailers and caravans will use the main roads into Appleby, including
the busy A66 plus other roads across the north of England. Police are reminding
motorists to be extra vigilant at this time of year to prevent any accidents.
Chief Inspector Matthew Kennerley, who heads the Operational Support Unit, said:
“Every year we issue messages about people being careful at this time and having
an awareness of slow moving vehicles being in the area.
“Thankfully these messages appear to have got through to people, with no serious
collisions last year. However, we cannot be complacent.
“Many gypsies and travellers use the traditional method to travel to the fair, by bow
top caravans being pulled by horses. These are beautiful to see, but do travel very
slowly and caution is required.
“If you are behind slow moving traffic, think about what is in front of you, don’t just
try and overtake as there could be a horse drawn vehicle in front. We are
encouraging everyone to slow down and be extra cautious over the coming weeks.
“We are also appealing to drivers of horse drawn vehicles to pull in when they are
able to, in order to allow traffic to move more freely and reminding them to be as
visible as possible in order to highlight their presence on the road.
“The A66 is a particularly important route for haulage vehicles and we will continue
to do all we reasonably can to make sure these messages are communicated
effectively to that industry, so that these very professional drivers are aware of the
dangers and can take extra care.
NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED
Police Headquarters
Carleton Hall
Penrith
CA10 2AU
www.cumbria.police.uk
PRESS OFFICE
2 May 2014
@cumbriapolice
/cumbriapolice
“By us all working together and having an awareness of each other, we will be able
to dramatically reduce the likelihood of an accident.
Police and Crime Commissioner, Richard Rhodes said: “Road safety is a key
priority for the people of Cumbria and especially during Appleby Fair when there is
a significant number of slower moving vehicles. I would urge all road users to
behave responsibly.”
Cllr Keith Little, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet member responsible for
highways and road safety, said:
“Our highways team will again be working with the police to ensure we keep our
roads safe and useable around Fair time. During the run up to the event, we will
continue to erect posts and signs to prevent parking on verges in inappropriate
locations, we will also provide warning signs and information to drivers to take
extra care as horse drawn vehicles will be using the roads. Some roads in
Appleby will be closed or made one-way during the Fair for the safety of those
visiting and to help traffic move around. We will also be installing safety barriers
and temporary signs in various locations around Appleby to help guide pedestrians
to safer walking routes and drivers to available car parks.”
Police offer the following advice to road users:
You never know what is around the next corner so slow down and take
extra care
Be aware of vehicles towing caravans and slow horse drawn vehicles –
horses can be easily “spooked”. Avoid revving your engine and turn your
music down. Give horses plenty of room and pass carefully
Be aware of pedestrians. Pedestrians should only use designated crossing
areas for their own safety and wear high visibility clothing where possible
Allow more time for your journey at peak times, and be patient and
courteous if you are delayed
If you are in charge of a horse drawn or slow moving vehicle, ensure that
you are easily visible. Consider your route carefully, with your own safety
being paramount.
For more road safety advice, visit www.cumbria.police.uk or contact your local
policing team on 101. Police urge motorists to mind horse-drawn vehicles as Appleby Fair approaches
Wagons are "beautiful to see, but do travel very slowly and caution is required", Police tell motorists