Road closures after matches
Matchday motorists parking neartheStadiumofLightwill have to make new arrangements from tooday.
Sunderland City Council, Northumbria Police and SAFC have agreed to new closures and access restrictions to improve safety for pedestrians in the Sheepfolds area.
The closures are being made on police advice and will stop vehicles trying to force their way through postmatch crowds in Hay Street and Millennium Way and come into force for today’s home game with Bristol City.
Coun Michael Mordey, gets into and out of the Sunderland City Council’s stadiumaseasilyaspossible.” PortfolioHolderforCityServices,said:“Thecouncilandits Alternative and secure parking arrangements include partnersatthepoliceandclub St Marys Way Car Park, have agreed to these closures Sunniside Car Park and Livingstone inSheepfoldstohelpprovidea safer experience for supporters on match days.
“During all home games, high volumes of supporters exit the Stadium of Light into the Sheepfolds Industrial Estate.
“To help create this safer environment between pedestrians and motorists, roads will be closed to vehiclesfromthefinalwhistleuntil approximately 30 minutes afterwards.
“The priority is public safety and ensuring that everyone Road Car Park.
Superintendent Sarah Pitt, of Northumbria Police’s Southern Area Command, said: “We recognise some people may think the road closure is in response to recent terror attacks where a vehicle has been used, and while there is no specific threat to our local area or football matches, closing theroadtovehicleswillhopefully reassure those who may be concerned.”
SAFC Safety Officer Paul Weir added: ““The closure will be supported by the deployment of club stewards and the police, with roads around the area only closed for a short period of time, similar to the club car parks, to allow supporters who are on foot the opportunity to clear the area.”