Cumbria Police is urging motorists to drive cautiously and the public to report concerns so they can be acted upon, as Appleby Horse Fair approaches.
The 2022 Fair begins on 9 June.
In the remaining days until the start of the Fair, Cumbrians should expect to see slow-moving vehicles on all road types as people from across the country travel to the area.
Chief Superintendent Matt Kennerley, Gold Commander for Appleby Horse Fair, said: “At this time of year we always urge drivers to be particularly careful on the county’s roads. The likelihood of encountering slow-moving traffic is high so we must all be attentive behind the wheel.
“I urge people to take particular care on the A66, where fast-moving vehicles can come across slow-moving, often horse-drawn, vehicles and also the A685 in the vicinity of Kirkby Stephen, where there are caravans and horses by the side of the road. Whilst we already have large numbers of officers in these areas, we have further increased our resourcing here, to reassure people and help keep everyone safe.
“By being aware of the potential dangers, we can all do our part to make sure everyone reaches their destination safely and without incident.”
As well as working to keep those on the county’s roads safe, officers have also been busy acting on intelligence, often from members of the public.
On Saturday afternoon (4 June), police were contacted regarding the theft of goods worth around £300 from Sainsburys in Penrith.
Officers responded and traced a Land Rover suspected as being used by those involved, which was then stopped in Long Marton Road in Appleby.
A 32-year-old woman from the Poole area was reported for shoplifting and the Land Rover was seized whilst officers investigate whether the vehicle is legally owned or has been stolen.
Yesterday evening (5 June), officers stopped a car on Appleby bypass, driven by a man in his 20s from Penrith. He was found to be over the proscribed limit for drugs and arrested for drug driving.
He was subsequently released under investigation.
Ch Supt Kennerley said: “Our officers are currently in the community and are proactively working to keep people safe, including making arrests.
“As always, in the run-up to the Fair people will see a lot of officers on the ground in key locations, particularly the A685 at Kirkby Stephen and Appleby itself.
“We proactively encourage the public to report concerns to ourselves and partners so that they can be addressed promptly and before they become larger issues.
“Please report any police matters immediately, either direct to an officer or via our online and phone reporting mechanisms.”
When reporting an emergency always call 999.
If you are reporting a non-emergency matter connected to Appleby Horse Fair, there are a number of options available to you.
People’s first option should be to report online. We have online reporting forms and an online Live Chat function where people can text-chat directly with officers in the police control room. More at https://www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit
For those who prefer to call, dial 101 and select the Appleby option when prompted. You will also have the opportunity to request a call-back at busy periods.
