Police in Huddersfield are calling on football fans to work with them ahead of the local derby between Leeds United and Huddersfield Town on Saturday.
Officers policing the game want to ensure all enjoy the match and that safety is paramount.
The derby is one of the biggest events of the season in terms of policing operations.
Kirklees Superintendent Mick Wharton says they have considered all the options:
“We have discussed with the club how to manage the end of game at some length over a number of seasons and different approaches have been taken. The over riding consideration in these deliberations is public safety.
“At first glance the solution may appear obvious in that we could hold back the Leeds fans until the majority of home supporters clear the site. This has been seriously considered, but to ensure the Leeds supporters stay in their seats would require a massive stewarding and police operation when these staff are required elsewhere.
“If we try to hold the large numbers of Leeds fans on the stairwell exits we also raise the chances that someone will be seriously injured or worse due to the steep layout of the stand. As our over riding concern is public safety, we cannot consider this option.
“This season we are trying to keep the two main groups apart simply by asking home supporters not to come down the Riverside to the South stand car park as there will be control mechanisms in place.
“Home fans can exit the ground at any time they wish and walk around the Kilner Bank stand or out onto Leeds Road.
“Clearly for those who are parking their vehicles on the South Stand car park there will be some delay, so asking them to consider waiting in their seats rather than elsewhere seems a sensible request. We will, however, be working with stewards to clear the South Stand car park as quickly as possible and let everyone go home safely.
“At the end of the day I am asking for 20 minutes of patience from a relatively small number of people so that everyone can enjoy the match and leave in a controlled manner at the end of the game.”
Major roads surrounding the Huddersfield Town football ground will be busy on Saturday as a large number of fans are expected to turn out for the derby game against Leeds United.
The match starts at around 12:30 pm and drivers are being advised to allow extra time for their journeys. Motorists not attending the game are also being advised to avoid the area if possible and use alternative routes.
People leaving their vehicles to attend the game are warned not to leave valuables on show and to park legally. Make sure your vehicle is also locked and secure before leaving them.
TRAVELLING TO THE GAME:
Supporters travelling via the motorway are asked to use Junction 24, following signs for Huddersfield rather than Junction 25.
Motorist should consider alternative routes using Brighouse and the A614 Bradford Road.
Expect delays if travelling to the event via the A62 Leeds Road Corridor.
All routes into Huddersfield could be busy and congested in the lead up to the game. Supporters are therefore asked to ensure they set off in time to get to the event.
