Revised Traffic Plans During the Ryder Cup

Traffic Plans during The 34th Ryder Cup Matches held at The De Vere Belfry from 23-29 September 2002 have been given the thumbs up by Sports Minister Richard Caborn MP.

Mr Caborn took time out of his busy diary earlier this month to meet with officials for an update on the progress of plans for the bi-annual competition between the European and United States teams, which is expected to attract up to 35,000 people each day at The De Vere Belfry on Match days.In re-staging the event, the organisers have reviewed the previous arrangements in conjunction with the Highways Agency, Warwickshire Police, Warwickshire County Council and The De Vere Belfry in light of the significant progress in the construction of the M6 Toll Road.

Progress has particularly impacted on both the traffic and parking plans which have been modified to relieve the pressure between junctions 7 and 9 of the M42.

The revised plans were presented to representatives of local, district and parish councils today (21 May) and reflect a partnership approach involving the key agencies. They address the requirements of the local/regional transport network and infrastructure, the road construction programme and the local community, as well as running the event safely and effectively.

Sections of the A446 and A4091, and some minor roads in the immediate vicinity of The De Vere Belfry will therefore be closed for the duration of the event from 00.01hrs on Tuesday 24th September until 23.59hrs on Sunday 29th September.

The organisers are keen to ensure minimal disruption to local residents during the event and are implementing a local communications plan to ensure that every household within neighbouring villages will have advanced notice of any closures or diversions.

This includes a Bendy Bus mobile exhibition, which will tour neighbouring villages and towns during June providing detailed information on the forthcoming closures. Local residents will have the opportunity to view the plans first-hand and take away information for their friends and family. Details of schedules and timings will be advised in due course.

Additionally, these details will be sent to all relevant households. A Police Community Liaison Officer has been appointed to handle any traffic related enquiries. PC Duncan Gardner can be contacted on: 07790 335532 from 1st July.

Commenting Mr Caborn said: "Whilst it is impossible to stage an international event of this size and status without inconvenience to some people, the commitment and consideration being extended towards the local community is a welcomed example to other major sporting events.

"The benefits to the regional economy will be enormous and provide a much needed boost following the need to postpone the event, which is now being eagerly awaited by many millions of people throughout the world. The 34th Ryder Cup Matches are certain to be a memorable occasion."

Special car passes will be issued to all residents living in the areas affected by road closures to enable them 24 hour access to homes and frontages. Everyone living in Wishaw, Middleton or Curdworth who have purchased Ryder Cup tickets will be offered a
free bus service to take them to the course. Details of schedules, timings and pick up points will be advised in due course.

Two satellite 'Park & Ride' schemes will operate as there will be no public parking facilities at The De Vere Belfry. The 'Park & Ride' operations also enables the bulk of public security checks to be carried out away from the venue and assist in preventing illegal parking.

In an effort to alleviate as much congestion as possible on the road infrastructure, generally visitors travelling from the South and West will park at the NEC and those from the North and East at Drayton Manor Park, where additional parking space has been secured. All spectators are encouraged to refer to the detailed travel information which will accompany their tickets.

There will be no direct public pedestrian entry to The De Vere Belfry, no ticket sales on the gate or pass-outs on the day.

All ticketing checks for entry to The Ryder Cup will be administered at both 'Park & Ride' points by security staff, before spectators are then bussed to and from The De Vere Belfry on a fleet of coaches. Ticket holders are advised to carry proof of identity for ticket check points.

A telephone information line 0845 601 5642 has been set up to provide information about traffic management during The 34th Ryder Cup Matches at The De Vere Belfry and the Bendy Bus mobile exhibition tour.