Police call on city fans to be safe and early

STOKE City fans heading to the Britannia Stadium tomorrow have been warned by police to arrive early and not put their lives at risk by crossing the A500.

Police say traffic jams have been caused by supporters arriving late to the stadium. Fans have also been seen dashing across the busy carriageway in time for kick-off.

In August 2007, Stoke fan Daniel Shaw, aged 15, of Tolkien Way, Stoke, suffered fatal injuries after being hit by a silver Subaru Impreza on the A500/A50 slip road. The teenager was walking towards the stadium for game against Aston Villa.

In October, Andrew McDonald, aged 43, from Stone, died after he was hit by a lorry. He was the fourth pedestrian to be killed on the A500 or the A50 in 18 months.

Now police have issued the fresh warning ahead of the match against Blackburn Rovers, which kicks-off at 3pm.

Chief Inspector Adrian Roberts, the match commander for the game, said: "At recent matches a number of fans have arrived very close to kick-off, which has caused extended delays around the stadium.

"Fans have also been seen alighting from cars, taxis and buses on the A50 – resulting in them walking on, and crossing over, the lanes of the carriageways. This is extremely dangerous.

"Pedestrians must not walk on, or cross over, the A50 or A500 main carriageways at any time. These roads are fast flowing with traffic."

Bryan Shaw, chairman of Stoke City Supporters' Club, said: "There has always been latecomers. You get those who like to have a drink before the game and those who are working who come late.

"You can only ask people to come as early as they can – and certainly not put their own lives at risk by crossing the A500."

Police say fans should allow plenty of time for their journey because congestion and delays are expected on all major routes to the ground tomorrow.

Officers have also reminded supporters that cars parked illegally on grass verges surrounding the stadium will be towed away, and a fine imposed to get the vehicle back.