British Transport Police gearing up for biggest sporting event of 2017

It is now just one month to go until more than 170,000 sporting fans descend on Cardiff for the UEFA Champions League Final on Saturday 3 June.

It promises to be the greatest – and largest – sporting festival of the year and officers at British Transport Police are busy gearing up for the event.

A wide range of specialist officers from BTP will be in Cardiff during the women’s and men’s matches, to support event organisers and rail staff. As always, the priority of BTP is to ensure the safety of the traveling public, reduce disruption on the railway and make sure the UEFA Champions League Final is truly an event to remember.

Fans can expect to see extra officers from BTP on hand during this event, both at stations and on board train services to and from Cardiff. Likewise, officers will be working closely with Network Rail to mitigate any disruption and ensure the smooth running of the railway.

Of course, with fans travelling from all corners of the country, part of the BTP policing operation will span hundreds of miles. Therefore, extra officers will also be at key stations throughout the nation, such as in Birmingham, Manchester, London and beyond.

Assistant Chief Constable Alun Thomas from British Transport Police, said:

“We couldn’t be more excited to see the UEFA Champions League Final coming to Wales this summer. It is a fantastic opportunity to showcase this incredible city and the amazing experience it has to offer.

“And we couldn’t be prouder to have such a pivotal role in ensuring the thousands of fans get to the matches safely. For many months now, planning has been underway to ensure that our officers are ready and able to tackle any issues which they might be faced with.

“It’s our job to keep the travelling public safe, and fans can expect to see our officers at stations as well as on board trains to and from Cardiff. The spotlight will be on Cardiff during these games and we are completely prepared to tackle any problems that might arise. Of course, the public can help us to tackle any problems by reporting crime and concerns via our text service, 61016. This is a discreet way to flag issues to us which will help us make the railway a pleasant and enjoyable environment for everyone to use.

“Throughout the week, we’ll be working extremely closely with South Wales Police and the rail industry to guarantee that trains run smoothly and that trouble is quickly nipped in the bud. As you would expect, we will have a zero tolerance policy towards anti-social behaviour and will take firm action against those who are out to cause trouble.”

With 170,000 fans expected to make their way to Cardiff to experience the festivities, pressure on public transport will be high. And with extensive road closures in place throughout Cardiff, the public are being advised to plan well ahead.

ACC Thomas added: “We expect the rail network to be extremely busy in the days leading to this momentous sporting event. Therefore, if you intend to travel, please make sure you check your travel options before making your way to Cardiff. Everybody wants this to be an event to remember, so please make sure you plan accordingly so as not to be disappointed on the day.”

For more local travel advice, please visit www.cardiff2017.wales/travel