The Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain have been asked by the police to remind operators carrying fans to this game of the voluntary guidelines on carrying supporters to designated football matches in England and Wales and to provide important information about parking arrangements.

Operators MUST inform the Dedicated Football Officer (oliver.mayall1@gmp.police.uk) that they are transporting supporters to this fixture as soon as possible but at least 48 hours before the day.

Operators must also contact Arsenal (arsenaltravel@arsenal.co.uk) to be allocated a parking space and given instructions on where to park.

The Voluntary Guidelines can be found here.

These include:

•  Coaches are to arrive at the venue no earlier than two hours before and not later than one hour before the scheduled start of the game, unless otherwise directed by police.
•  Coaches are not to set down or uplift passengers at any unauthorised locations without prior permission of the police.
• Coaches must leave the venue within 30 minutes of the finish of the event.

Important points to note

• It is an offence for an operator or a driver to knowingly cause or permit alcohol (or pyrotechnics) to be carried on a public service vehicle to a designated football match.

Complying with the guidelines will allow the police and partners to ensure that everyone can have a safe and enjoyable day through:

•  better understanding of the planned movement of different fan groups,
•  reducing the possibility of alcohol related anti-social behaviour and criminality to maximise public safety,
• minimising disruption to other members of the community.

Operators are advised that any failure to comply with the legislation or voluntary guidelines which contribute to policing issues will lead to a traffic commissioner considering whether to take regulatory action against an operator’s licence.