Residents reminded of parking restrictions this Saturday

Thousands of rowing fans are expected to make their way to Putney on Saturday to witness the climax of the annual Women’s Head of the River Race.

Restaurants, pubs and bars in the town centre are expected to enjoy a roaring trade throughout the day as people celebrate the 76th anniversary of the competition.

This year 320 crews will be taking part – a record number – involving nearly 3,000 rowers, making this the most popular women’s rowing race in the world. They will be competing on a four mile course that starts in Mortlake and finishes at Putney Bridge.

Putney has a long history of involvement with the sport and is home to 20 major rowing clubs.

With so many boat trailers plus a big crowd of spectators all gathering on Putney Embankment it means that parking spaces there have to be suspended.

The suspensions will commence at 7am on Saturday, March 5. Motorists who park their cars there overnight on Friday will need to move them ahead of Saturday morning’s deadline. Vehicles left in parking bays after this time are likely to be towed away.

Normal parking rules will be reinstated at approximately 3pm once the spectators and boat trailers have departed. Numerous signs notifying drivers of the changes have been placed along Putney Embankment.

Residential roads linking Putney Embankment with the Lower Richmond Road will also be closed to all traffic on Saturday apart from residents.

For further information about parking arrangements call the helpline on (020) 8871 8871. For more information about the race visit www.wehorr.org

March 3, 2016