Rugby World Cup traffic arrangements
We went to a residents meeting hosted by the Rugby Union, Police and local Council regarding the traffic arrangements which will affect us when matches are being played at Twickenham. These arrangements will also be of interest to those of you who have
tickets for one of the games, and for anyone who may be passing through this area on those days. The A316 (this is the main road into London from the M3) will be closed to traffic between the Hospital Bridge roundabout (the first rdbt you reach after leaving
the M3) and the London Road rdbt, Richmond. This means a stretch of 3 miles of road will be inaccessible to traffic, other than the shuttle buses. The normal Rugby ground match day parking areas, i.e, the Stadium itself and Rosebine, will not be available
for private car parking. A park and ride system is being put in place from Kempton Park racecourse, where 3000 spaces are available, and Hounslow Council civic centre where 500 spaces will be available. However, these spaces must be prebooked. Apparently
information on this will be sent out to ticket holders. There will be traffic instructions on the M3 and th M4 advising any through traffic to take alternative routes to travel to and from London. The idea being that, of course, all motorists will take notice
of these signs and not attempt to drive straight up the A316. As if! For those of us who within shouting distance of the Stadium, we will be firmly entrenched at home with no vehicular access at all (but that is par for the course whenever there is as match
at the ground). The games start on September 18th and the final is October 30th.
Alongside the games, there will be a cultural event (like the Olympics) running from 10th June to end of the contest.
There will be a fanzone in Old Deer Park Richmond where on matchdays, the games will be relayed on large screens for those who didnt get tickets but want to enjoy the atmosphere. This will cater for 10,000 people.
I can see a long vacation in the caravan coming on, but OH is torn as he loves caravanning but is also a keen rugby fan.