A PARK and ride scheme for motorists making their way to Goose Fair will be in operation this year.
The scheme aims to help visitors avoid frustrating traffic jams and parking restrictions by providing shuttle buses from four locations on the outskirts of Tavistock.
The Town Council have warned visitors to assume that there will be no parking easily available in the town during Goose Fair, next Wednesday, (October 10).
Roads closed for stallholders and funfair rides will include Plymouth Road from Drake Statue to Bedford Square, Abbey Place, Russell Street, Market Street, Market Road and Canal Road.
These roads will be closed from 5.30pm on Tuesday, October 9, through to 6am on Thursday, October 11.
The longer street closure this year is to allow for the cleaning of the town after the event.
The four selected locations running park and ride services are Yelverton Aerodrome for those approaching from Plymouth; Lumburn Rise on the Callington road; Kaminski's field on the Launceston road and Harford Bridge holiday park at the Peter Tavy turning from the Okehampton road.
Each site will signposted with blue RAC signs and will be manned by volunteers from the Lions Club.
Frequent shuttle buses will operate from 9am to about 10.30pm — depending on demand.
A flat rate charge of £4 will cover the bus journey into Tavistock and return for occupants of a car left at one of the selected locations.
In the case of exceptionally heavy rain (as last year) only the Yelverton site will be guaranteed to remain open.
Holders of disabled badges should note that there will be no dedicated disabled parking in Tavistock.
There will be a high police presence in Tavistock during the day and illegally parked vehicles will be removed without delay.
Alternative traffic routes will be in operation on the day of Goose Fair. Through traffic approaching Tavistock from Okehampton will continue along Stannary Bridge, Mount Tavy Road, Dolvin Road, Abbey Rise and Whitchurch Road and then rejoin the A386 through Anderton Lane which will be one way.
At this point, Cornwall bound traffic will be redirected back towards Tavistock.
Through traffic from Plymouth will be directed to the junction of the Callington Road and Ford Street, and will continue one-way north-bound through West Street, Duke Street, and Parkwood Road to rejoin the A386 at Stannary Bridge Road.
Vigo Bridge will be one way approaching Parkwood Road and Pixon Lane will be open for access-and emergency vehicles-only.
Further information concerning traffic management in relation to Goose Fair can be obtained from Tavistock police on telephone 08705 777444.