You may have never really thought about it, but during large events such as a carnival parade, barriers pop up all over the city. But who decides where they are placed? How are all those barriers actually set up? And how do we ensure that the city is quickly accessible again afterward? In this article, we take you behind the scenes of the placement of barriers at events in Breda.
Why are barriers placed?
Barriers are an indispensable part of organizing events. They ensure that visitors stay at an appropriate and safe distance from the parade, prevent traffic flows from getting tangled, and ensure that emergency services always have a clear passage. Without barriers, some streets would get blocked or a parade could hardly move.
The preparation: from plan to practice
Setting up barriers may seem simple, but there is extensive preparation involved. At most events, the organizer is responsible for arranging traffic measures, including the placement of barriers. At public festivities such as the arrival of Sinterklaas, carnival, Kings Day, or Remembrance Day, that responsibility largely lies with the municipality. In that case, we work months in advance on traffic plans, permits, and the logistics of materials.