Perth’s top police chief has emphasised the “positive” benefits of the Ryder Cup to the local community.
The global event at Gleneagles will attract crowds of around 45,000 each day and Chief Inspector Mike Whitford, area commander for Perth and Kinross, said he feels the great sporting occasion will leave a ‘feelgood factor.’
“Speaking to local businesses, the Ryder Cup is having a beneficial effect on the local economy, as a lot of people in the hotel/guest house trade are busy,” he told The Courier.
“It is a very positive thing for the area. The audience numbers will increase on Sunday and will go through the roof then.”
Mr Whitford said Police Scotland have “dedicated” resources at the Ryder Cup, which includes officers from all over the country. And he stressed that if an incident such as a collision involving a lorry took place there are contingency plans in place.
“If a road was to get blocked there are contingency plans. It’s always a critical part of these events.
“They do table-top exercises looking at possible contingencies of what might happen, so that’s all been done over the last couple of years.
“It’s not like T in the Park where there are thousands of cars it’s much more controllable as people are arriving by buses and train, so it takes a lot of the pressure off.”
He continued: “The important thing is for people to realise the impact the event will have in terms of significant speed restrictions there, and police are actively monitoring these,” he added.
“So we will be saying to people get ready to slow down and take your time. We are talking about thousands and thousands of people who will be walking to the site once they have come off the buses.”