Senior Traffic Commissioner (STC) Richard Turfitt has proposed a number of changes to the voluntary guidelines for the transport of passengers by PSV to sporting event gatherings in England and Wales.
They are presented via a consultation that opened on 8 June. It runs to 6 July. Mr Turfitt notes that the changes he has put forward are neither exhaustive nor exclusive, and that input from parties concerned is welcomed.
Most immediately obvious in the draft revised guidelines is a change to clarify that they apply only to transport to association football matches, while use of the word “coach” in relation to vehicle type used is changed to “PSV.”
Introduced is a stipulation that operators are to follow all reasonable instruction given by police or enforcement officers, including that relating to routes and stopping arrangements. Mr Turfitt notes that such an expectation has been contained in the relevant STC’s statutory document since 2013.
Expanding upon this addition to the voluntary guidelines, he points out that TCs have taken regulatory action against operators and drivers who have ignored such instructions, and whose actions have led to disorder.
“In addition, stopping and routing advice over a greater distance was recently given as part of the preparation for the 2023 FA Cup Final… Where appropriate, TCs expect operators to follow such advice,” the Senior TC continues.
The scope of chants by passengers that dedicated football officers must be informed of expands under the proposed guideline changes. Currently those are limited to “racist, homophobic or similar.”
Under Mr Turfitt’s planned changes, that would expand to chants “demonstrating hostility based on race, ethnicity, religion or beliefs, sexual orientation, disability, and transgender identity or chanting of an otherwise grossly offensive or inflammatory nature” during the journey.
A further new clause states that PSV operators in scope of the guidelines are to have “established safeguarding policies when carrying persons under the age of 18 years old.” If adopted, that will include “arrangements for the nomination of at least one responsible adult for the minors carried.”
Such a proposed revision is a result of “anecdotal evidence” that some unaccompanied minors are increasingly involved in antisocial behaviour at football matches. Safeguarding policies and appointment of at least one responsible adult thus “seem appropriate.”
In describing the consultation, Mr Turfitt notes that the guidelines were born out of The Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol) Act 1985, and have not been consulted upon for 10 years. “This approach works well, and it has seldom been necessary for a TC to take regulatory action against an operator [that] has contravened the guidelines,” he continues.
However, Mr Turfitt talks of “concern” that exists that football-related incidents of violence and disorder “do still occur and may be increasing.” A review of the sporting event transport guidelines is thus appropriate to ensure “continued relevance and to address any emerging concerns.”
Full details, including how to respond, here.
