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SUPPORTERS REMINDED OF MATCHDAY ACCESS RESTRICTIONS
By Middlesbrough FC
Middlesbrough Football Club and Cleveland Police are reminding supporters that access restrictions on the main approach road to the Riverside Stadium are now a permanent matchday feature.
Police now close Shepherdson Way - the bridge over the railway to the stadium - 45 minutes before kick-off to all vehicles except those displaying valid club car park permits.
The closure is to protect the safety of pedestrians during the period of peak access and officers are warning it will be strictly enforced.
Supporters intending to collect parking permits are advised to do so well before the 45-minute cut-off time as they will not be allowed on to Shepherdson Way in the immediate build-up to the match.
The new message follows major tailbacks on to the A66 before some of Boro's early season home fixtures, caused by drivers debating access issues with Police officers.
Both the Police and club insist that supporter safety must come first.
Neil Bausor, Business Development Manager for Middlesbrough FC, said: "The supporters are our priority so we hope they will understand that we are trying to strike a balance between the need for safety and their ease of access to the stadium."
Chief Inspector Gary Stephenson, of Cleveland Police, says: "Supporter safety is our paramount concern. There are thousands of pedestrians on Shepherdson Way, Windward Way and Dockside Road immediately before kick-off, while it is also important that we provide access for emergency vehicles.
"In the past, we have tried to use our discretion on when to close Shepherdson Way, but repeated changes to access arrangements have simply caused confusion.
"The 45-minute rule is considered by all to be the best compromise in the interests of safety.
"We would therefore urge all fans without club car parking permits to make sure they are clear of Shepherdson Way well before the 45-minute cut-off period as the closure will be strictly enforced."
Police are asking fans with parking permits to ensure they display them in their windscreens. They further advise them to use the nearside lane as they approach the roundabout before Shepherdson Way from the A66.
Full access will be allowed across the bridge up to 45 minutes before kick-off. After this time, those fans without permits can access a special drop-off point by using the offside lane and performing a U-turn at the roundabout. Signs will indicate the drop-off point on the route back towards the A66.
Clear signage is now in place and supporters are advised that no exceptions will be made for private hire vehicles.
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