Drivers have been warned to check for any local road closures over the King's Coronation weekend – so they don’t get stuck. Millions of Brits are preparing to string up Union Jack bunting and set communal tables in the street to mark the crowning of King Charles III with their neighbours and friends.
But experts have warned that if you don’t check for closures ahead of time your car could inadvertently end up inside a cordon and you might miss out on your own special events. Graham Conway, managing director of Select Car Leasing, said: “We’re all looking forward to celebrating the King’s Coronation and the bank holiday weekend promises plenty of fun and pageantry.
“But it’s worth noting that there will be road closures in place to allow proud Brits to join in with the festivities by hosting street parties. This not only means regular routes may be blocked, causing journeys to take longer than usual, but if you're not prepared ahead of time you could find your car inside one of these closures and with no way to get out safely.
“The parties are likely to be taking place at different times across the three-day bank holiday weekend, so it’s well worth doing some research online to find out when and where they are being staged. It would be such a shame to have your Coronation celebrations spoiled by a lack of forward planning.”
Many local councils have started revealing details of where street parties are taking place within their boroughs, posting maps on their websites and releasing lists to the local press. Organisers had to inform authorities up to 12 weeks in advance and closures will take into account factors such as bus routes, busy traffic flow and how local businesses could be affected.
Some smaller gatherings, such as those on quiet cul-de-sacs, don’t need official permission while major towns and cities are hosting larger events to honour the King’s official crowning ceremony. Official government guidance states: "Make sure that the emergency services can still get down the street if they need to.
"If your party is on a bus route, the bus company will want to know about it in advance. Some councils will contact emergency services and transport providers for you, but others expect you to do it."
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There will be a host of road closures in central London to make way for the main procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey on Saturday, May 6. Select Car Leasing's Mr Conway said: “The Coronation will come as a much-needed celebration after everything the country has been through in the past few years.
“It will give people the chance to get together with friends, family and neighbours to raise a glass to His Royal Highness and take a break from everyday stresses and strains.
“But it’s important that these festivities pass off safely, so being aware of what is going on in your local area and how it will affect your own plans is crucial.”
