MARCH MADNESS
COMMUTERS BLAST GRIDLOCK CAUSED BY POLICE ESCORTING FOOTBALL FANS TO STADIUM
FRUSTRATED commuters have criticised the decision to close major city centre roads to make way for football fans to march to matches.
Rush-hour traffic ground to a halt on Tuesday night as thousands of BSC Young Boys fans marched to Old Trafford to watch the Champions League clash with United.
Workers and business leaders have questioned the need for police to escort fans on foot to football grounds.
Leaders at the chamber of commerce have waded into the debate, claiming many workers faced ‘huge disruption’.
One disgruntled commuter, Tony Ryan said on Twitter: “Maybe this custom of mass marching of fans to and from grounds needs to be looked at, given the chaos it causes.
“Could be less trouble to just let them make their own way there. Or insist on coach only attendance for away teams.”
Business leaders waded into the debate, criticising the ‘huge disruption’.
Chris Fletcher, marketing and campaigns director at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: “The long-standing issues around transport problems in the centre of Manchester have once again been brought into sharp focus following another evening of chaos, blockages and frustration caused again by a variety of problems, but centred on the Champions League fixture at Old Trafford.
“In addition to the usual extra traffic, the night also saw the added impact of the escorted walk to the ground from the city centre of 3,000 away supporters. Whilst we are a welcoming city to all overseas visitors who bring a boost to the economy, I’m sure there are plenty of frustrated motorists and other commuters who faced huge disruption last night, asking what priorities are in play here and wondering why alternative transport methods could not have been found.
Graham Stringer, MP for Blackley and Broughton, said: “This is disproportionate and unacceptable.
“The police have a responsibility for keeping the public safe, but it doesn’t give them the right to close the city centre and damage the economic life of Manchester. There has to be a better solution than the one they chose.”
But Chf Supt Graeme Openshaw, of GMP’s Force Events, defended the decision, he said: “Whilst several transport options were considered for the visiting fans, including designated coaches and Metrolink services, it was established following consultation with TfGM that a guided walk with rolling road closures would be the least disruptive to the city centre and neighbouring boroughs.
“We worked hard with the relevant partners to make people aware of the football match and travel plans in advance so that they could make alternative arrangements wherever possible.
Transport for Greater Manchester were contacted by the M.E.N. and said they declined to comment saying they agreed with GMP’s statement.
The M.E.N. asked Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham for a comment, but his office said he has nothing to add.