Thanks for taking the trouble to response to all comments, not just the happy clappers. It's appreciated.
However and with respect, that's nonsense.
Of course there needs to be easy access for an emergency vehicle whilst the match is in play. But that applies to all 4 sides of the Ground, not just 1 corner.
But how does that requirement stop this particular gate being opened at full time to allow a safer and more efficient egress of one of the most crowded areas in the Ground?
Prior to the installation of the temporary changing rooms outside that corner 3 or 4 years ago, the gate was always opened at full time.
People queueing on quite steep steps is an accident waiting to happen, especially for some of our older fans who might be slightly unsteady on their feet.
I hope it doesn't take an accident at the end of a game for the Club to realise that it might have been avoided.
For context:
The medical room is situated in that area of the ground to allow for swift access for emergency vehicles. 99 times out of 100, supporters would be transferred to the medical room and the crowd doctor will make an assessment of next steps (release/hospital/treatment). If they require hospital, an ambulance will arrive at the vehicle access gate to collect and transfer up to Derriford.
The club has absolutely no control on wait times for ambulances, and given the pressure on the NHS there is likely to be a wait (which can be up to 6 hours in some cases). Equally, if an incident occurred close to full time or at full time we’d need that gate for emergency vehicle access immediately without the complexity of clearing supporters out of the way
The reality is that it’s not up for debate I’m afraid. That is the designated emergency vehicle access gate and it will remain that way.
The attendances are also no longer 6,000. They are 14,000 and we’d hope that people would look out for their fellow supporters on exit and wait patiently. This is a sign of success and we should all accept it might take a bit longer to exit now.
As I said on my last post we’ll review the egress process in the areas highlighted especially where sensible suggestions have been put forward and not just a “we used to do it” mentality.
CK