MP writes to North Yorkshire Police over Remembrance Sunday Parade decision
The force won't be providing traffic management for smaller events this year, prompting warnings some could be cancelled
The MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough has written to North Yorkshire Police's Chief Constable over the force's decision not to provide traffic management for Remembrance Sunday Parades.
It follows warnings from some organisers they could be forced to cancel events, because they can't afford or find suitable alternatives.
Andrew Jones said: "“The parades are an integral part of this and an important tradition that will be lost without traffic management.
“The sudden decision by North Yorkshire Police has endangered that tradition and left little time to put in place alternative arrangements.”
He has called on police to manage traffic at this year's events, and work with organisers to find alternatives for the future.
Earlier this year, North Yorkshire Police sent letters out to organisers, saying they have been advised that officers should not take responsibility for closing roads of managing traffic "other than in an emergency."
The letter stated: "For many years, North Yorkshire Police has continued to provide a traffic management function to smaller Remembrance Day events like the one held in your community.
"In line with the legislation, the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the College of Policing have stressed that policing should not take responsibility for closing roads or managing traffic, other than in an emergency.
"This is to make sure police resources remain focused on tackling crime and anti-social behaviour."
Police are directing organisers to the council, where they can apply for roads to be closed for community events.