Current deployment viewing

[wessexspotter]

Just wondering how the current viewing arrangements at Fairford are working out. Was anyone up today and, if so, were there any issues with parking? Its just I've noticed a definite uptick in the numbers of people viewing on the Brize approach, presumably due to the absence of much else to do at present and/or trying to keep the kids entertained during their extended school hols, and wanted to if this was happening at Fairford too.

A related question - does anyone know of a friendly landowner at either end of the runway who may have a field they'd be willing to let cars park on for a small fee during the deployment (e.g. any of those who run campsites during RIAT)?

[Geoff]

Would be nice if they would let us park for a small fee wessexspotter...trouble is you would get people abusing it will their toilet manners

[Ghost from above]

Local paper running a story regarding a notice from Gloucestershire Constabulary for road users around Fairford.

"We appreciate, and understand, the desires to come to this area to observe the increased aircraft activity. We welcome you all and hope you are able to enjoy your visit. We do value your presence, as you are vigilant, and do report suspicious activity to us.
We recognise the impact such activity has on the local area, and wish to encourage the safe and sociable use of our roads. We are working with other partner agencies to achieve that aim. To this end we request that any vehicles parked are done so with the consideration of other road users, businesses, and the community.
We especially implore you not to park in front of any crash gate, or on any verge. We reserve the right to remove any such vehicle, at the owners expense, for the offence of obstruction, and report any driver for driving otherwise than on a road. Parking on a pavement can be similarly dealt with. Parking on double yellow lines will be dealt with by enforcement officers from Gloucestershire County Council, who are conducting patrols in the area.
"Thank you for your co-operation in this matter."

Let's all be sensible so we can all enjoy access. If we abuse it we have been warned and areas will be taken away. Happy viewing everybody.

[page_verify]

It's probably becoming obvious, but this deployment is different to others. The aircraft arrived in a way that meant people didn't know when they were arriving or what they were doing on the way over here, are parked in the less visible part of the bomber loop, and the base is asking the local police and council to manage its perimeter.

[dragonhunter20]

It's probably becoming obvious, but this deployment is different to others. The aircraft arrived in a way that meant people didn't know when they were arriving or what they were doing on the way over here, are parked in the less visible part of the bomber loop, and the base is asking the local police and council to manage its perimeter.

There is a footpath that takes people round to the perimeter fence that you can see them from and there hasn’t been anything published regarding the base asking for it to be managed. Same thing happens every year with the deployments and parking. You park on double yellows you get a ticket, park where you shouldn’t you get moved on. The MoD police spoke to myself and my friends on Sunday and had no issues with the parking on site and said that Gloucestershire police will ask people to move on if they aren’t parked sensibly.

[Jabba9999]

The Buffs looked liked they had parked in their usual positions to me albeit there’s more of them than usual

[bizfreeq]

Quite agree, they looked to be parked exactly as they have been on previous deployments albeit using more of the dispersal area as there are more of them.

[jigsaw]

Also that 'statement ' that was printed on white cards is exactly the same as the one they handed out last September for the b2 and subsequent b52 deployment. Nothing special about it.

[dragonhunter20]

The Buffs looked liked they had parked in their usual positions to me albeit there’s more of them than usual

Well said, same place they were last year and previous years I’m told

[acsmith117]

It looks like there are two dispersals close to the Marston Meysey gate that are empty and that is why they might appear further away.
All visible from there anyhow and a walk down the footpath today caused no drama other than a couple of exuberant dogs out with their friendly owner.

[page_verify]

It's probably becoming obvious, but this deployment is different to others. The aircraft arrived in a way that meant people didn't know when they were arriving or what they were doing on the way over here, are parked in the less visible part of the bomber loop, and the base is asking the local police and council to manage its perimeter.

There is a footpath that takes people round to the perimeter fence that you can see them from and there hasn’t been anything published regarding the base asking for it to be managed. Same thing happens every year with the deployments and parking. You park on double yellows you get a ticket, park where you shouldn’t you get moved on. The MoD police spoke to myself and my friends on Sunday and had no issues with the parking on site and said that Gloucestershire police will ask people to move on if they aren’t parked sensibly.

How's parking this year turning out?