This in from the police, in their own words. Ed
Hampshire Constabulary has worked to reinforce its preparations to protect people from harm while the population of the island increases this week.
Large numbers of people are expected to converge on Seaclose Park on the outskirts of Newport between Wednesday, June 12 and Monday, June 16.
All plans reviewed and reinforced
Hampshire Constabulary’s Isle of Wight Festival police commander Chief Superintendent Dave Hardcastle said:
“This event represents the largest policing challenge at a single event across the Isle of Wight and Hampshire this year. Our focus is on helping to ensure such a large influx and exit of people is handled safely, and with the minimum of impact.
“We have all learned lessons from last year’s experiences with weather and traffic, which have led to our plans with promoters and partner agencies being reviewed and revised thoroughly.
“Crime levels at the Isle of Wight Festival have remained low, but we are never complacent in our focus to disrupt and detect criminals in conjunction with the organisers and their security staff.”
Traffic management plan
Hampshire Constabulary has been involved in extensive meetings and discussions since last summer about a re-design of the festival’s traffic management plan.
Weather conditions
If adverse weather takes place before or during the festival, arrangements are in place for communications between the organisers and all involved agencies to ensure contingency plans are put into practice.
Roads policing
Hampshire Constabulary is urging all road users to allow more time for their journeys during the week of the festival.
Officers from the force’s Roads Policing Unit (RPU) will patrol the main routes around the festival site to respond to emergencies and deal robustly with any motorists endangering lives.
Police are working closely with AA traffic marshals employed by the event promoters to help the traffic flow as freely as possible. Experienced and qualified AA marshals have the same powers to direct traffic as police.
Hampshire Constabulary is supporting Isle of Wight Council, the AA and festival promoters Solo in communicating traffic information via local radio, news websites and social media.
Preventing drink and drug driving
The Roads Policing Unit patrols regularly to remind revellers not to drive home if they are planning a weekend of excess.
Police will be conducting drink-drive operations – anyone over the limit can expected to be arrested and taken into custody.
However, festival-goers will have a chance to see if they are fit to drive by taking a voluntary breathalyser test as they leave the venue and head to their vehicles.
Inspector Martin Goodall from the force’s Roads Policing Unit (RPU) said:
“If you want to make sure you’re sober, voluntary breathalyser tests are available again this year at the festival campsite police office for anyone who genuinely wants to drive but is unsure if their alcohol level has returned to zero.
“All you have to do is blow into the kit and we’ll let you know whether or not you’re safe to get behind the wheel. You won’t be arrested if you’re over the limit, but you will be told not drive.
“Everyone takes a risk when they get inside a car, but if you choose – and make no mistake, it is a choice – to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol – you’re more likely to crash – and more likely to kill or seriously injure yourself, your friends and anyone who happens to be in the way.”
Policing Newport and the Isle of Wight
All policing at the Isle of Wight Festival is paid for by the promoters Solo within a detailed policing plan agreed in advance.
This involves the deployment of additional officers and staff from mainland Hampshire so policing of the island is not affected.
Chief Superintendent Dave Hardcastle added:
“We and the promoters have acted on concerns of the community over the needs and welfare of the vulnerable local residents.
“There are extra patrols dedicated to the Fairlee Road area and surrounding side roads during the festival.”
The Isle of Wight mobile police office will be based in Fairlee Road staffed by familiar officers and PCSOs from the Newport Safer Neighbourhoods team.
To report a crime, dial 999 in an emergency, or 101 for non-emergencies. Mini-Com users can call the police on 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
Protecting people from the harm of illegal drugs misuse
Chief Superintendent David Hardcastle said:
“Police and security stewards are working closely together to monitor and seize supplies and sales of illegal drugs.
“The use of such substances is not condoned by the organisers of the festival, which is clear in its warnings about the zero tolerance approach taken with police.”
Searches for drugs are carried out as a condition of entry to the festival. Consequences for bringing illegal drugs to the festival include ejection, arrest and prosecution.
Amnesty bins will be provided again this year on each entrance gate for the voluntary surrender of controlled substances.
Security staff can also direct anyone found to be under the influence of drink or drugs to the nearest First Aid posts or Welfare Tent where they can receive help.
Legal highs – ‘legal does not mean safe’
Substances known as ‘legal highs’ are prohibited at the festival. Their sales are banned under the conditions of the event licence.
If reports of any sales arise, festival organisers will take action to prevent them continuing.
Chief Superintendent David Hardcastle added:
“No reports of legal high sales within the festival were reported last year, but we check intelligence from across the country regularly about any new substances coming onto the market.
“We continue to repeat national warnings and advice that legal does not mean safe. People often have no idea what they are actually taking because the substance is not labelled correctly. Any decision to experiment could have terrible consequences for you.”
Crime prevention advice
To help prevent the opportunities for offending at the festival, police officers and staff are reiterating and reinforcing the following key advice ahead of the event:
> Refrain from bringing valuable possessions to the festival where possible.
> Ensure your possessions are property marked and registered with www.immobilise.com
> Activate the ‘find my phone’ app or similar on your smart phone before coming to the festival
> Don’t leave valuables in your vehicle and on display.
> Keep your possessions in your sleeping bag with you whilst asleep.
Image: David Jones under CC BY 2.0
