|
Published:
June 23, 2008
'Park
and ride' scheme confirmed for Burnham cycle race day
 A
free 'park and ride' scheme will be in operation in Burnham-On-Sea
this September when the South
West Stage of the Tour of Britain cycle race ends in the town,
it was confirmed on Monday (June 23rd).
Burnham-On-Sea.com
first reported the
plans to introduce a free parking scheme last month and this
week it was confirmed that a deal has been reached with Sanders
Garden Word at Brent Knoll.
The
service will depart every 15 minutes from the garden centre to
Pier Street between 10.00am and 5.30pm on the day of the big race
- Tuesday 9th September.
Marine
Drive will be closed to traffic from 5am to approximately 6.30pm
and diversions will be in operation when the cycle race finishes
there. A temporary one-way system for buses will allow them to
run as normal.
Graham
Bagley, Somerset County Council's Tour of Britain Project Manager,
told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "At least 96 international professional
cyclists will speed through Somerset at speeds of up to 40mph
on Tuesday 9th September and we need to make sure that the event
is safe for competitors and spectators alike."
 "We
are working with colleagues from Highways and the Avon & Somerset
Constabulary, as well as the local community, to minimise disruption
to residents and businesses. Apart from the finishing strait on
Marine Drive, a rolling road closure system means that the rest
of the route should only be closed for around 30 minutes while
the riders pass through."
Councillor
Alvin Horsfall, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, added:
"We are very grateful to Sanders Garden World for their help
in providing parking outside Burnham for visitors to help minimise
traffic congestion on the day. I hope that as many residents as
possible will also take the opportunity to cycle everywhere on
the day, doing their bit to minimise traffic congestion and adding
to the fantastic atmosphere that this world class event will create
in the town."
The
race will be broadcast on digital TV channel ITV4 and featured
in the national press. The 185km South West Stage of the cycle
race will be the longest in the whole race and will have a backdrop
of stunning scenery as it takes riders past some of Somerset's
hidden gems and idyllic Devon countryside.
Setting
off from near Chard in the south of Somerset, the riders will
pass through two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Exmoor
National Park, and then on to the first ever coastal finish in
Burnham. The finishing line will be in
Burnham's Marine Drive.
RELATED
LINKS:
 Excitement
grows as route of cycle race is announced
It's
official! Burnham is confirmed as the finish line for top cycle
race
Exclusive:
Burnham set to host Tour of Britain Cycle Race
|
