15 January 2018

Dear Sir/Madam,

Transport planning and infrastructure impact on Major Events at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff

Thank you for responding to the Committee’s request for information regarding the transport planning around the Anthony Joshua Fight in Cardiff on 28 October 2017.

The Committee had written following media coverage which suggested that all may not have gone smoothly on the night. We were concerned that there might have been some failure of the procedures put in place following our Rugby World Cup Travel inquiry. Your responses were very helpful in giving us a clearer picture and assurance that the multi-agency working and information sharing is still a key part of the preparation for major events.

After reading your responses, the Committee is satisfied that while there were lengthy queues for taxis on the night in question, other aspects of transport planning for the event appear to have been effective.

The Committee is pleased to note that planning procedures for major events at the Principality Stadium appear to be working well since the Committee’s original investigation, but effective communication, forward planning and resourcing remain essential to ensure Cardiff retains and enhances its reputation as a one of the best places in the World for international sports and entertainment events. This level of coordination is particularly necessary when there are multiple events in the city on the same date.

I know the stadium continues to bid for further World Class events, like the Joshua v Parker fight on 31 March, and I look forward to seeing Wales successfully hosting events like this in the future.

Kind regards,

Russell George

Chair of the Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee