Plea not to arrive too soon for Appleby Horse Fair
PA MediaAppleby Horse Fair attendees have been asked not to arrive too soon ahead of the annual event.
Now in its 249th year, the fair will see thousands of Gypsies and travellers pitch up in Westmorland, Cumbria, between 5 and 11 June.
Fairgoers who bring trailers too soon can cause difficulties in the surrounding areas, particularly as stopping places are very limited, the Appleby Horse Fair Multi-Agency Strategic Co-ordinating Group (MASCG) said.
MASCG Gypsy and traveller representative Billy Welch said the number of temporary stopping places was falling year-on-year.
The event is one of the largest gatherings in Europe for Gypsies and travellers and is centred around showing and trading horses.
Mr Welch said: "Whilst there are bow tops who obviously have no choice but to set off early, most people do have the choice.
"Please think carefully about your travel plans prior to setting off and stay far out from Appleby prior to the fair."
MASCG is chaired by Westmorland and Furness Council with support from representatives of the Gypsy and traveller community, Cumbria Police, the RSPCA, the Environment Agency and other agencies.
Cumbria Police also warned that it would "not hesitate" to take action against dangerous driving behaviour and vehicles that were not roadworthy, including towing away vehicles.
Det Supt Dan St Quintin, of Cumbria Police, said: "I make no apologies for this approach which we adopted last year and which helped contribute to one of the safest fairs in recent years for road safety."