Local residents to see 'increased police presence' next week as AI Safety Summit takes place in Milton Keynes

    Thames Valley Police says it has a substantial number of security measures in place to keep the delegates at the summit and the local community safe. 

    The summit will be the world's first and is being hosted by the government at the Bletchley Park on 1st and 2nd November.

    The event will bring together world leaders, leading tech companies and researchers to agree safety measures to evaluate and monitor the most significant risks from AI. 

    Due to it being such a major event, Thames Valley Police say a 'comprehensive security operation' is underway and will continue to grow as the event dates approach.  

    Residents will see temporary barriers being installed on footpaths and road in the vicinity of Bletchley Park.

    Security fencing will also start to appear in the area as part of the measures being taken to ensure the safety of the summit and the local community. 

    Inspector Simon Hills of the Joint Operations Unit said: “The measures we are putting in place on a temporary basis be highly visible and extensive. I fully appreciate that these will cause some disruption to the local community, but we have worked closely with our local partners to keep this to a minimum.

    “Local residents and businesses will have noticed an increased police presence in Bletchley in recent days and this will continue as the date of the summit approaches.  

    “Some of our activity involves plain-clothed officers who are patrolling within the local area, while uniformed officers are engaging with residents to provide that reassurance and raise awareness of the role the community can play in preventing crime.  Some of these officers are specially trained to spot tell-tale signs that someone may be preparing to commit a crime.   

    “I would ask if you see or hear anything suspicious, or you see something that you do not feel is right, please speak to one of our officers who will be on patrol and will be there to support the community.  

    Temporary parking restrictions come into place on the following roads, meaning vehicles cannot park or stop:

    • Sherwood Drive
    • Tiltman Lane
    • Welchman Court
    • Jemima Way
    • Wilton Avenue
    • Rickley Lane
    • Church Green Road
    • Buckingham Road between the Sherwood Drive roundabout and Church Green Road 

    Saturday 28 October 

    Closure of the redway between Wilton Avenue and Sherwood Drive  

    From midday on Sunday 29 October 

    Closure to through traffic on Sherwood Drive, between Turing Gate and Bletchley train station, preventing access to Jemima Way.

    Access will still be granted to properties in Welchman Court and Tiltman Lane.  

    Wilton Avenue will also close, except for access to properties.  

    Wednesday 1 November 

    Full road closures on Sherwood Drive (between Turing Gate and Bletchley train station preventing access to Bletchley Park), Jemima Way, Wilton Avenue, Welchman Court and Tiltman Lane. 

    Pedestrians will still be able to use the footpath on the side of the road nearest the train station. 

    All restrictions will lift on Friday 3 November.

    There will be exceptions in place for residents of roads that are closed. These are being communicated with them directly.  

    There are various roads around Bletchley Park that have double and single yellow lines, which means no parking is permitted.

    Any contraventions of these as well as these temporary restrictions may result in vehicles being towed away.  

    Bletchley Park will also be closed to the public from 28 October until 5 November inclusive.

    Until 29th October, there will also be restricted airspace for drones, and in the week of the summit, 30th October to 3rd November, all aircraft will be restricted, except for emergency aircraft.

    The flight restrictions being put in place covers a wide area around Bletchley Park.

    READ MORE: AIRSPACE RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE AHEAD OF AI SUMMIT IN MILTON KEYNES

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