North Yorkshire Police won't close roads for Remembrance Sunday parades

Organisers in Knaresborough have said it puts their event at risk

Author: Liam ArrowsmithPublished 1st Aug 2023

Some Remembrance Sunday parades in North Yorkshire are at risk of being cancelled after a change in police policy.

North Yorkshire Police have sent letters out to organisers, saying they have been advised that officers should not take responsibility for closing roads of managing traffic "other than in an emergency."

The letter states: "For many years, North Yorkshire Police has continued to provide a traffic management function to smaller Remembrance Day events like the one held in your community.

"In line with the legislation, the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the College of Policing have stressed that policing should not take responsibility for closing roads or managing traffic, other than in an emergency.

"This is to make sure police resources remain focused on tackling crime and anti-social behaviour."

Police are directing organisers to the council, where they can apply for roads to be closed for community events.

But organisers of a Remembrance Parade in Knaresborough said it put their event at risk, because of the cost involved.

There's question marks over how it will impact similar sized events in other parts of the county.

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