TRAVEL PLANS AIM TO AVOID GRIDLOCK AT NEW STADIUM

7 July 2005

Rugby and football fans bound for Swansea's new showpiece stadium have been pointed in the right direction to give them a smooth passage there. And residents living in its shadow have also been given assurances about the effect of their lives on match days, which kick off next month.

Thousands of new park and ride spaces are being created across the city to ensure supporters arrive at the Morfa venue quickly, easily and safely.

They form part of a travel plan drawn up by the council, the stadium management company, police and bus operator First Cymru.

It was developed after thousands of hours of consultation including visits to St Mary's Stadium in Southampton and the Madjeski Stadium in Reading.

Three large park and ride sites have been set aside at Swansea Vale, County Hall and the Recreation Ground, off Mumbles Road.Buses will run frequently to and from matches - dropping fans off and picking them up directly from the 20,000-seater stadium, which will be home to Swansea City Football Club and the Ospreys rugby team.

First Cymru will be laying on extra buses from the Quadrant bus station and fans will be met by bus at Swansea's main rail station.T

here will also be a regular service for Ospreys supporters from Neath.

Car drivers will be encouraged to share journeys by registering on the regional car-share database swwitch2share.com. Information about car-sharing, public transport and how best to access the venue will all be provided in a plan being given to every season ticket holder.

The stadium can also be reached on route 43 of the national cycle network, with fans able to store their bikes in new racks provided by the developer.

Council cabinet member for culture, recreation and tourism Gerald Clement said: "The plan more than caters for the demands of the stadium, even at full capacity, if fans follow it.

"Residents in the vicinity of the stadium will be protected from disruption on match days by extensive parking restrictions on their streets which will be strictly enforced."

Swansea police inspector Bill John said: "We have conducted a large amount of research and consultation in planning for the operational policing response to the opening of the new stadium, which has involved visits to new stadia at Reading and Southampton.

"We have considered some of the traffic management plans for those football grounds in our planning processes.

"Nevertheless, we do need fans to co-operate with us and use the specified park and ride sites or public transport to get to and from the game.

"This will help us greatly in ensuring that everyone has a safe and enjoyable day out.

"Over the coming months we will also be utilising police helicopters and traffic analysis experts to see if we can improve the system even further."

Justin Davies, managing director of First Cymru, added: "I am delighted that we have been able to be involved in this project for the stadium, a key project for Swansea.

"We know many people will come to Swansea for sporting events at the new stadium, and knowing that you do not have the hassle of trying to find a parking space when you visit the stadium will be a great relief to many.

"First Cymru is committed to providing direct transport links - and where possible we look for integrated solutions. The service we shall operate will enable visitors to travel by train or by bus, or use the bus connections direct from the train station to the stadium.

"We will continue to work closely with Swansea Stadium, the council and the police to ensure that Swansea has a safe, reliable and frequent public transport system."