Police team issues parking warning ahead of Friday night’s Cobblers and Saints double

Thousands of fans will descend on the St James area of Northampton on Friday (January 24) as both Northampton Saints and the Cobblers play home matches.

The impending busy night of sport, when two televised games will kick off around a mile apart and within 15 minutes of each other, has caused a neighbourhood police team to issue a warning to fans about parking.

Northampton Neighbourhood Police Team took to Twitter to ask supporters to plan ahead and park considerately.

The tweet said: “It’s a night of sport this Friday, @SaintsRugby are home to @LondonIrishARFC 7.45pm KO, @ntfc are home to @derbycounty 8pm KO. #StJames will be busier than normal please plan ahead. If attending either match, enjoy and park with consideration for residents and businesses. #PS667”

The tweet was accompanied by three images. One of an ambulance struggling to drive along a street where cars are parked on both sides of the road and a similar one of a fire engine.

The third image is of a parking fine.

The team is asking football and rugby fans to think ahead before parking on a road that could result in an emergency vehicle not being able to fit through and could end with a parking fine for the driver.

Ahead of the clash there are alternative parking options available, including at The NX group’s car park, which the firm is opening up free of charge just for the clash.