The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has told drivers that marshals at cycling, and other, events now have legal powers to stop traffic. It issued its statement at a time when it said more outdoor events would be taking place, as the spring has arrived, and drivers needed to be aware the legal status of marshals had now been strengthened.
"An accredited marshal at cycling, walking and running events is someone who has been trained to use specific 'Stop!' signs, to legally stop and hold traffic, to allow the safe passage of a cycle race or running or walking event on the open highway," it said.
The PSNI added the changes were introduced last year, urging motorists to be aware of them when they encountered events taking place on the routes they were driving.
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"New legislation was introduced in Northern Ireland last year meaning that accredited marshals have the legal right to stop traffic at cycling, walking and running events taking place on open roads," it added.
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"Volunteers completing the accredited marshal scheme will also benefit from having event management and health and safety training. The aim of the accredited marshal scheme is to provide a safe, sustainable and effective method of traffic management at road events. We are pleased to have been able to support and be involved in this initiative."
In the North the accredited marshal scheme was introduced last year, underpinned by legislation, against the backdrop of the PSNI being more reluctant to provide police support for sports events.
The new marshal accreditation scheme, and training courses, in the North have been supported by the PSNI and Department of Infrastructure for Northern Ireland. The training is accredited through LANTRA; a training and compliance group which is accredited by the British Standards Institute.
While road race and sportive marshals who secure accreditation have the legal right to stop traffic at an event, they are also be better trained to manage events to make them safer. The first courses were run 12 months ago.
