Please Plan Ahead

Road closures are a necessary part of keeping Tar Barrels safe. As the event builds and crowds increase, access in and around Ottery St Mary becomes more restricted, and travel can take much longer than usual.

From 3.30pm, road closures begin to take place. As crowd numbers grow, further access routes and car parks may also be closed. If the event reaches capacity, the main routes into the town will be shut and visitors will not be able to enter.

Please do not rely on being able to drive into the centre of town later in the evening.

Why Road Closures Matter

There are two main reasons for road closures on the night.

First, they help keep the event safe. Emergency access routes must be kept clear at all times, and roads through and around the town need to be managed carefully as crowd density increases.

Second, they help the event run smoothly. With very large numbers of people moving through Ottery St Mary, restrictions on traffic are essential to protect both the public and the barrel rollers

For Visitors

If you are coming to Tar Barrels, please:

• allow plenty of time for your journey
• use the official car parks and follow the signs
• be prepared for walking, as parking is on the edge of town
• follow all instructions from stewards and police
• expect delays and changing conditions as the evening unfolds

If roads have been closed or the event has reached capacity, please respect this and do not try to enter.

For Local Residents

If you live in or around Ottery St Mary, please be aware that access around the town will be affected from late afternoon onwards. Restrictions may change as the evening develops and as crowd numbers increase.

If you need to travel later in the day, plan ahead and allow extra time.

Parking on Roads

Do not park or abandon vehicles on approach roads or within the town. All roads into and within Ottery St Mary are treated as clearways on the night. Vehicles parked illegally may be towed away.

This is essential to make sure emergency vehicles can get through when needed.

Collecting Someone Later in the Evening

If you are arranging to collect someone after the event, agree a meeting point in advance. Mobile phone signal can be unreliable, and road closures or heavy footfall may affect where and when you can get through.

Check for Updates

Road closures and access arrangements may change depending on crowd numbers, safety requirements and conditions on the night. Please check back before travelling and follow the latest guidance from event stewards, police and organisers.