JAM PACKED: Carnival trucks make their way through the crowd in Notting Hill
IN THE wake of recent terror attacks on the capital, Notting Hill Carnival’s mas and steel bands will see security inspections of trucks, face ID checks and heavy entry and exit restrictions when the annual two-day Caribbean street party gets underway this Bank Holiday weekend.
These changes have been recommended by Street Event Co (SEC), an event management company which was appointed by the carnival’s organiser, the London Notting Hill Carnival Enterprises Trust (LNHCET), in January 2017.
A statement issued by SEC reveals that band vehicles will only be able to access the route from Harrow Road, either into Ladbroke Grove or into Great Western Road. Moreover, all vehicles must be through the checkpoints by 8.30am on both Sunday and Monday, with no exceptions to be made.
Additional new rules call for drivers to carry their driving licence at all times. On entering the Carnival zone, police will check the licence and issue a unique ID pass, that must be signed for and worn at all times. The driver will then be required to park at a designated spot. Police have advised that some vehicles will be randomly subject to searches.
Masqueraders and steel pan musicians will enter the zone on foot, to join their vehicles. Each band will be told to move off from a specific location from 10am onwards and will be accompanied by a steward. Between 20-30 bands will be allocated one police officer.
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