Residents living near the site of T in the Park have raised fewer concerns to police over the staging of the massive event in Strathallan, it has been revealed.
The Perthshire site is taking shape ahead of the festival opening its gates on Thursday, and officers are hoping policing of the site goes smoothly.
Last year’s event – the first time it was held at Strathallan Estate – led to a series of concerns raised by local residents, with particular anxieties highlighted regarding transport issues and possible anti-social behaviour by people attending.
However, a series of community events involving Police Scotland have taken place recently in the Strathallan area and Inspector Kevin Chase, of Police Scotland’s ‘D’ Division community policing unit, said “fewer potential issues” were raised by the public following these meetings.
“There will be a quite significant police presence at T in the Park but there have been fewer concerns raised by local residents this year,” he said.
“The organisers have done a lot to make sure issues are addressed.”
He continued: “I hadn’t realised that when T in the Park takes place it becomes the third biggest city in Scotland for that weekend. I understand that the capacity is not as big this year and I hope we get decent weather for it.
“We have a dedicated website for any residents in the community who have concerns, but if they have an emergency major issue they should phone either ‘999’ or dial 101. This email box will be monitored up to 18 hours a day as there are two of us looking at it.
“But if there is anything ongoing please ring ‘999’ or 101 as they see fit.”
The email address is: titpcommunityliaison@scotland.pnn.police.uk
Mr Chase also revealed that a 30mph speed limit is already in place for all traffic on roads that surround the Strathallan Estate site in preparation for T in the Park.
“We have road police and traffic enforcement in the area recently and thankfully it has not led to any major concerns for us,” he added.
“One of the things I want to highlight is safety issues for people going to T in the Park, regarding valuables and tents. Make sure you have adequate security on your tent and make sure you can keep valuables securely and locked away in a suitable place.”
T in the Park have a revised traffic plan in place for this year’s festival, which they hope will prevent the chaotic scenes at last year’s event when some vehicles queued for up to three hours to leave the site following performances by bands on the Saturday evening.
Many revellers had complained that there was a lack of stewarding, no clear signposting and no clear queuing system.
One of the changes has seen former road traffic inspector Ian Martin appointed to the role of transport manager for the festival. Organisers have also introduced separate roads for buses and cars accessing the site and dedicated pick-up and drop-off points.
