The University of Bolton Stadium is going to be ‘reviewing the traffic management plan’ before Pink’s second show this evening, after gig-goers for her opening concert reported being stuck in the car park for hours.
Several fans reported still being in the car park into the early hours of this morning following the first of Pink’s two gigs at the venue.
One fan reported that their journey home took three hours instead of 40 minutes after being stuck in their car for so long.
Others slammed the ‘shambolic traffic management’ at the £25-per-vehicle car park, and described the gridlock as ‘an absolute joke’.
The University of Bolton Stadium, which will host Pink’s second show tonight, assured fans that they were working with the relevant authorities to improve fan experience.
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A spokesperson for the Bolton venue said: “Following an incredible opening night of Pink’s sensational Summer Carnival Tour 2023, at which we welcomed over 35,000 people to the University of Bolton Stadium, we are aware that some concert-goers experienced traffic and congestion issues when departing the site.
“Working closely with the relevant authorities, we are reviewing the traffic management plan in place ahead of this evening’s show, with a view to mitigating these issues and improving the experience for all those visiting the stadium for tonight’s second concert.”
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One concert-goer had posted: “Never coming to a concert at @UoBStadium ever again. Been stuck in the disabled car park £26 for an hour and a half not moving anywhere. The staff and security haven’t got a clue what they are doing.”
Never coming to a concert at @UoBStadium ever again. Been stuck in the disabled car park £26 for an hour and a half not moving anywhere. The staff and security haven’t got a clue what they are doing. pic.twitter.com/8H7uZBj4LU
Another wrote: “Anyone travelling to pink tomorrow! Don’t drive to the venue! 1.26am and we’re still in the car park! @pink was amazing but this is a joke now!”
Someone else said: “Over 2 hours waiting in a grid locked car park at stand still, not good enough. Concert finished at 11 and was still in the car park after 1am, absolute joke!”
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One person posted: “@Pink was absolutely AMAZING (as always!) However, @UoBStadium it took me nearly 2.5hrs to get out of the carpark (and there were still lots of cars left in). PLEASE get it right for the 2nd show. For the £25 that I (and everyone paid!) I would have expected a better system.”
Someone else tweeted: “Absolutely shambolic traffic management trying to get out!! We were stuck for nearly 2 hours without moving!!!!!”
The travel advice on the University of Bolton Stadium’s page points Pink gig-goers to shuttle buses as well as the car parking on site – and warns of delays leaving car parks.
The website states: “Stewards and marshals will be on site to provide any assistance as you arrive and leave the concert car parks.
“We anticipate that it is likely to take up to two hours for all cars to leave the car parks and surrounding area due to traffic.
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“We ask that for your assistance and patience as we get everyone out of the car parks, off site and on their way home as quickly and safely as possible.”
Trafford Centre begins months-long refurb of its iconic The Orient foodhall
Emily Sergeant
A new era for The Orient is on the horizon, as the Trafford Centre has begun its months-long refresh of its iconic foodhall.
Forming part of its ongoing commitment to ‘enhancing the visitor experience’, the Trafford Centre is investing in a major refresh of seating and customer facilities within The Orient – creating a more vibrant and welcoming environment for guests to eat, meet and relax.
Works are now underway and will be delivered in phases over the coming months.
Improvements are being carried out in phases to minimise disruption to shoppers, while creating a more comfortable and contemporary dining environment at the same time.
The refreshed area will increase seating capacity by more than 60%, introducing a range of new seating styles in the process – including banquettes, family-friendly tables, accessible seating for guests with mobility requirements, and dedicated areas equipped with phone and laptop charging facilities.
The Trafford Centre begins months-long refurb of its iconic The Orient foodhall / Credit: The Manc Group
Inspired by The Orient’s longstanding maritime heritage, the design takes cues from a contemporary cruise liner, and the space will also feature upgraded furniture and enhanced lighting, alongside flexible areas designed to encourage visitors to spend more time in there.
There’ll also be modern furnishings and a ‘refreshed’ colour palette to create a brighter and welcoming environment.
“The Orient is one of the most popular destinations within Trafford Centre, welcoming millions of visitors each year,” a Trafford Centre spokesperson said on the refurb.
“This investment reflects our commitment to continually improving the experience for our guests, creating a more modern, comfortable and social environment where visitors can meet, dine and spend time together.
“The improvements will not only significantly increase seating capacity but also deliver a much more flexible and accessible space for all visitors to enjoy.”
Featured Image – The Manc Group
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Uber has officially started trialling driverless taxis in Manchester
Emily Sergeant
It’s official… driverless taxis have hit the streets of Manchester.
As the leading transportation company looks to bring robotaxis to other major cities around the UK, it has been confirmed that a trial of autonomous vehicles is now underway in Manchester – with the services being operated using the technology of Uber’s partner firms, Pony and Verne.
Uber said it was ‘excited’ to take this first step toward ‘making this technology accessible’ to people across the UK.
The three companies first collaborated on the deployment of a commercial robotaxi service back in March of this year, combining Pony.ai’s autonomous driving system, Uber’s global mobility platform, and Verne’s service ecosystem and operational framework.
At this time, there has been no official application to launch passenger services in Manchester, according to The Guardian.
However, posts on various social media platforms – such as X, LinkedIn, and Instagram – by each of the companies this week have confirmed that trials are underway in the city.
“New technologies play an increasingly important role in the growth of our city region,” TfGM said. “But they need to be introduced responsibly, safely and with real thought about what it means for our residents.
“Safety will always be our top priority, and we will need strong assurances that no vehicles will operate on our roads that pose any risk to residents.”
Manchester, we’re on our way! Today, we’re announcing that we’re partnering with @Verne_robotaxi and @PonyAI_tech to pilot autonomous vehicles in Manchester. Building on our service together in Zagreb, Gen-7 Robotaxis are now testing in Manchester.
We’re excited to take this first step toward making this technology accessible to people across the UK. 🇬🇧
“By bringing together Pony.ai’s proven autonomous driving technology, Verne’s operational and market expertise, and Uber’s global platform, we’re taking an important step toward making autonomous ride-hailing available to more riders in more places.”
Daisy Jackson -
8th June 2023 
