Safety advice ahead of flaming tar barrel event
BBCPeople planning to attend a town where flaming tar barrels are carried along the streets for Bonfire Night have been asked not to "abandon" their cars for safety reasons.
The Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels, held annually on 5 November, involves people known as "barrel rollers" running through the Devon town with 27 flaming tar-soaked barrels while thousands of spectators line the streets.
Organisers said: "Abandoning your car on the event clearways and emergency evacuation routes is not acceptable and jeopardises the safety of the event."
Those attending were also asked to use two official car parks that would be "clearly signposted"
People were also advised if the roads were closed on the approach to Ottery St Mary this indicated the event was full, and drivers should not abandon their cars and walk into the town.
"If you see no parking signs, cones, bollards or barriers, please respect them," organisers said on Facebook.
Organisers said they had to "reluctantly" increase the cost of parking to £20 per car for the event.
Event director Ashley Franks previously said health and safety was a massive consideration.
"Every year it gets harder and harder to run the event with changes in legislation," he said. "I must admit I attend meetings and I'm sat there thinking 'is this really worth it?' But I walk away from it thinking it's in my blood."
Andrew Wade, president of the Tar Barrels Committee, previously described the event as an "ancient rite of passage".
Attendees were told to expect delays, allow plenty of time and remember there were no additional late night buses.
Exmouth Police issued advice on Facebook ahead of the event.
It asked people not to abandon their cars, not bring glass bottles and to wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
"There will be a proportionately low police presence there but there will also be a lot of event marshals and first aiders", it said.
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