10 June 2008
- AS confusion continues over whether the police have the power to stop or direct traffic for planned charitable community events, Harrogate Borough Council is to cushion the blow for organisers in Harrogate and Knaresborough.
Local community leaders are still awaiting a review of the change of police policy, but have decided to act now to ensure that these events, which are part and parcel of local life, can continue.
Councillor Don Mackenzie, Cabinet Member for Transport and Planning, says Harrogate Council, as highways' agent for Harrogate and Knaresborough, is anxious to help organisers of charitable and historic events avoid the potentially huge costs of staging such events, which result from the change in stance of the police.
"We have looked closely at the regulations regarding formal public notice and have decided to advertise a single composite notice annually for planned charitable community events.
Because we can benefit from economies of scale in producing just one advert, I am also pleased to announce that the council will pick up the advertising costs.
"We are also buying a number of high visibility descriptive driver warning and road closure/diversion signs.
These will be made available free of charge in the same way that we loan traffic cones for such events."
Unfortunately, legislation requires that competent and approved persons have to be employed to install these signs.
"Initial costs have been sought from a local contractor who is prepared to undertake the work at a very reasonable charge, added Councillor Mackenzie.
"This would mean that traffic management costs for the majority of these events could be under £500."
Event organisers will still be expected to develop traffic management plans but Harrogate Borough Council will offer advice on the submitted proposals and, once agreed, would instruct the contractor on what is required.
The contractor would carry his own insurance for the installation of the signs, which will also lift a burden from event organisers.
All organisers of charitable community events in Harrogate and Knaresborough are urged to let the council know of their plans for 2009 as soon as possible to ensure they do not miss out on the composite advert.
If they do, they would be expected to fund the separate public notice.
ENDS
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Councillor Don Mackenzie is available for comment on [01423 872211 or 07957 304109.
Further technical information is available from John Burton, Head of Transport on 01423 556606.