Leuchars Airshow vows to beat traffic
Organisers of the RAF Leuchars Airshow are hopeful they will not witness a repeat of the traffic delays endured by hundreds of spectators last year.
Huge crowds enjoyed the 2009 Leuchars Air Show in perfect weather — causing major traffic delays afterwards.
- By Craig McManamon
- Published in the Courier : 04.06.10
- Published online : 04.06.10 @ 01.07pm
Unveiling plans for this year's event, a spokesman at the military base said lessons had been learnt and a new approach for traffic management will be taken.
"The more successful we are, the harder it is to deal with the parking situation.
"Our airshow organisers, along with Fife Police, have been in consultation on the best ways to handle parking and transportation away from the airshow.
"We are trying to refine the ways people can speedily leave the site so they have fond memories of the event for all the right reasons," he said.
Last year there were reports of some spectators unable to exit the temporary car parks until 9pm — four hours after the show ended.
Afterwards airshow director Wing Commander Mike Ainsworth said attendants were faced with a record 12,800 vehicles — 23% more than usual.
In order to speed up arrival and departure there will be three park-and-ride services with over 70 buses running a continuous service between the car parks and the base.
Park-and-ride is said to be the fastest route to and from the airshow. Those determined to park on the station will have to buy one of the limited spaces in advance.
Over 40,000 spectators are expected to flock to the event on September 11.
The show will celebrate the RAF's defence of Britain's skies: past, present and future.
Helping herald the start of a new era at Leuchars, an iconic second world war Spitfire will escort the RAF's most advanced combat jet, the Typhoon multi-role fighter.
In the autumn, Typhoons will arrive at RAF Leuchars with Number 6 Squadron, which will pick up the air defence baton and lead the station into the future.
Over 100 foreign and domestic aircraft will be at the show. Contributing nations include the USA, the Czech Republic, Germany, France and Dutch and Belgian F-16s.
Enthusiasts will also be delighted at the return of the Vulcan bomber. The RAF's Red Arrows and Falcons parachute display team are also among the highlights.
► For more information visit www.airshow.co.uk
08.08pm - 10.09.2010 Steve - Carnoustie, United Kingdom Report This
I just wish that the Airshow website worked. Had problems booking tickets, now cannot find out about park and ride for tomorrow, not really ideal is it?
11.22am - 12.09.2010 Chris - Neilston, Uk Report This
Whatever was planned failed. 3 hrs from glenrothes to blue carpark! Took 6 hours to leave home in Glasgow till entering the base! Disgraceful! Managed to get only 1 3/4 hrs of show.
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