Safety measures have been agreed that will allow people to celebrate May Morning in
traditional style on Oxford's Magdalen Bridge, says the city council. The event will be alcohol-free: there's now a ban on drinks in the area anyway, and revellers will be asked to put glasses and cans in "amnesty bins". PICTURE GALLERY |  | |
Last year the bridge was opened for the first time in four years. Safety arrangements for this year will include extending the two-metre-high fencing out towards the water to deter people from climbing around and jumping into the River Cherwell.
Stewards and police officers will prevent the crowd in the restricted area around the bridge exceeding 8,000 people.
Controlled entry points will again be set up at the city centre and St Clements ends of the bridge and people must arrive early to get a place on the bridge itself.
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Last year stewards operated alcohol amnesty bins at entry points to stop people taking glass or cans onto the bridge. Hundreds of bottles and cans were handed over without any incidents. The May Morning working group has agreed the same arrangements this year.
Thames Valley Police Chief Inspector Chris Parker said: "The police are there on May Morning for public safety reasons, not because of the alcohol-free zone. "Our officers will only intervene and take appropriate action if there are public safety or public order issues." Road closures take effect from 03:00 to approximately 07:00. High Street will be closed from The Plain roundabout to the junction with Longwall Street. | 
