NEXT Wednesday is Tavistock's annual Goose Fair and police this week issued traffic arrangements for the town's big day.
As in previous years, all principal roads in the centre of Tavistock will be closed to through traffic, in order to accommodate the large number of stalls, traders and funfair rides.
The following will be closed from 5.30pm on Tuesday October 7 until 7am on Thursday October 9: Plymouth Road from Drake's Statue to Bedford Square; Bedford Square, Abbey Place, Russell Street, Market Street, Market Road and Canal Road.
The longer street closure this year is to allow for the cleaning of Plymouth Road after the event. Council cleaners will be out on the streets from 6am on October 9, in order to get the roads shipshape for normal use during working hours.
To help the passage of through traffic, the A386 from Okehampton will go through Stannary Bridge Road, Mount Tavy Road, Dolvin Road, Abbey Rise and Whitchurch Road and will be two-way throughout. Plymouth-bound traffic will rejoin the main A386 at Grenofen.
Cornwall-bound traffic will be directed right into Anderton Lane at Whitchurch Post Office, to rejoin the A386 at Anderton Straight. Anderton Lane will be one-way, apart from a short stretch allowing residents at James Road and Anderton Court access to their homes.
The A386 from Plymouth will be two-way up to the roundabout at the junction of Callington Road.
The A390 from Callington will also be two-way up to this point. Ford Street will be two-way, as will Launceston Road to its junction with Spring Hill.
West Street in Tavistock will be one-way northbound throughout. Traffic joining West Street from Drake Road will be required to turn left along Duke Street, Brook Street and Parkwood Road, to rejoin the A386 at Stannary Bridge Road.
Vigo Bridge will be one-way approaching Parkwood Road, to allow easy residents' access. Pixon Lane will be a no-through road, apart from residents' access.
Sgt Ian Woods said: 'With the combined effects of reduced availability of parking, with a greater volume of traffic, all roads will be carrying more traffic than usual.
'To ensure free passage for all, there will be many additional parking restrictions by way of no waiting cones — all residents and visitors are asked to co-operate.'
Sgt Woods said a 'tow-away' policy of any vehicle causing an obstruction would be operated — holders of disabled badges were advised not to park where cones have been placed. The car park at Abbey Rise had been specially designated for disabled drivers' use for the day, he said.
'Any vehicle causing an obstruction will be towed away at the cost of a £30 fixed penalty notice and additional recovery fee, payable in full before the car is released.'
Tavistock Lions Club will be operating park and ride schemes at Knightstone on Yelverton Aerodrome, Harford Bridge Campsite on the A386 near Peter Tavy and at Lumburn Rise on the A390 Callington Road.
Lions club members and the police will be patrolling the car parks and a continuous shuttle bus will operate to and from Tavistock between 9am and 10.30pm, depending on demand.
A flat rate charge of £5 will cover the parking and return bus journey to Tavistock from Lumburn and Harford Bridge. The fee for the Yelverton park and ride will be £2 per adult and 50p per child under 16.
Sgt Woods said: 'Goose Fair is a good day out enjoyed by thousands of people. It is only one day a year and is a nationally known event which brings in visitors from all over the country.
'We ask for your forebearance, patience and co-operation to make it another successful year.'