Combined Community Efforts Underway For Safe Festival Exit

This in from the Police, in their own words. Ed

Police and partner agencies are putting plans into practice to keep the community safe and on the move after the end of the Isle of Wight Festival.

Hampshire Constabulary, Isle of Wight Council and other agencies within the event’s dedicated Emergency Liaison Team (ELT) have continued to work closely together with festival organisers and transport operators all through the night into the early hours of this morning.

Preventing delays during extended rush hour
Inspector Paul Savill from the police’s event planning team said: “Our priority is preventing disruption and delays to roads and residents during the morning school run and rush hours’ period, crucially between 7.30am and 9am.

“Everyone involved in the organisation of this event has redoubled their efforts to ensure the egress of people is safe and as swift as possible.

“The exit of the remaining festival goers from all car parks is being managed carefully to control traffic flow and minimise congestion to the local community.”

Roads cleared Sunday night
He went on to say, “Road sweepers were out on Sunday cleaning the main routes around Seaclose Park; tractors and 4 x 4 vehicles are available to assist motorists to leave the festival campsite safely. We are grateful for the public’s patience, understanding and support. Their offers of assistance is a testament to the strong community spirit that prevails at times of adverse weather.

“More police officers and staff remain on duty so we have the resources to respond to any emergencies swiftly to keep residents and festival goers safe.

Clear mud from your brake lights
“I would remind people heading home to take extra care because there will still be mud on the roads and on vehicle tyres. Drivers should give themselves more time to test their brakes by slowly and gently pressing down on the brake pedal.

“Vehicles will take longer to stop on the kind of surface conditions we’re experiencing this week. Many vehicles also have their rear lights covered by mud. Please take time to clear and clean your brake lights so they visible to other motorists and pedestrians.