News

Traffic in Durham City - “Freshers” Sunday 5 October 2003

(26 September 2003)

Special traffic plans are in place for the first Sunday of October when about 2,500 new students arrive in Durham for the start of the University term, the vast majority of them brought by their parents in cars.

The arrivals put pressure on the roads in Durham City and, in particular the Market Place and the Peninsula area, where Saddler Street offers the only possible access for up to 700 cars to colleges on the Peninsula.

Over the last ten years 'Freshers' Day' has worked successfully, thanks to co-operation between the University of Durham, Durham Constabulary, local residents, new students and their parents.

The special plan involves students of five colleges: University (The Castle), Hatfield, St Chad’s, St John’s and St Cuthbert’s Society, on Palace Green, North Bailey and South Bailey.

The University and Durham Constabulary have liaised over advance planning for access to the Market Place and Peninsula on the day. They have arranged for students arriving by car to hold a permit for access to the Colleges on the Peninsula. The permit is valid for one hour to allow the students to unload and leave.

When they have finished, they will be directed to car parks elsewhere in the city, where cars can be left. All students and other residents on the Peninsula, staff, departments on the Peninsula and University Police have been informed about the operation, so that non-essential traffic can avoid the area.

Further Information

Claire West, Public Relations Office, 0191 334 6074
Stuart Sharp, Assistant Director, University Estates and Buildings, 0191 334 6002