Northumberland County Council·Internal Audit Service
Vehicles and parking
- Cars remain at the hall. That is the operator’s rule. It was observed as a physical necessity: the field has no track that a vehicle could use without damaging grass, and after rain the bearing capacity is poor.
- The hall parking is unmarked. Capacity was not counted as a car-park survey; on a weekday morning it held the auditors’ vehicle and one other. On Gathering day it is insufficient, and overflow has in the past used the edge of the green, which the operator does not permit in its public text.
- The old approach has no turning. Reverse is required. There is no convex mirror and no warning of pedestrians.
- No speed limit, no one-way, and no barrier are in place. None is needed at present volumes, provided cars stay off the field.
- Caravans and motor caravans are not accommodated. A touring caravan could not be turned at the hall without entering the old approach or the green.
- Cycle parking is not provided. It is not material at this scale.
Finding 7 — vehicles
The rule that cars remain at the hall is sound. It is not displayed at the arrival point. A single board at the gable, stating parking, fires, and the absence of a warden after 20:00, would close a gap that costs little.