NEW traffic regulations are being introduced around Dean Court in a bid to improve emergency access to the AFC Bournemouth stadium.

Bournemouth Borough Council is introducing a temporary traffic regulation order to restrict parking on one side of Thistlebarrow Road on match days.

The council said the order was needed to give emergency services easier access to the stadium should an incident occur.

Cllr Michael Filer, cabinet member for cleansing, transport and waste, said: “It is vital that the emergency services are able to do their job, so by putting in place these restrictions it will make it much easier for them to do this.

“We have spoken a great deal with residents and listened to their concerns to ensure these proposals meet both the need to maintain emergency access and minimise any impact on them.”

The restrictions will apply on match days between 12-6pm for Saturday games and between 5-11pm for mid-week evening games.

Cones and notices will be placed by stewards from AFC Bournemouth on match days prior to the start of the restrictions.

AFC Bournemouth’s general manager Liz Finney said: “I am pleased that, working with our neighbours, the council and the police, we are able to safeguard this access.

“We very much appreciate the co-operation of everyone involved.”

Bournemouth Borough Council’s parking services will enforce the restrictions with the support of Dorset Police.

Police Inspector Dave Osborne, of the operational planning unit, said: “These measures are necessary to ensure that emergency access to the AFC Bournemouth stadium is maintained, especially as the club’s recent and hopefully continued success has led to increased attendances.”