An apology has been issued after the Teesside Airshow was labeled “cancer” by furious families who had been waiting for hours in long queues.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen issued a statement saying the event was ruined by chaotic scenes, queues for several miles and disappointed ticket holders.
It comes as the A67 and A66 saw traffic run for miles and miles, as some said they had been blocked just two miles from the airport for more than three hours.
Read more: Teesside Airshow: Chaos on the A67 and A66 while drivers wait “three hours”
In a statement, Ben Houchen said: “Teesside Airshow has been the victim of its own success, and while it’s been great to see more than 20,000 people want to visit the show, it’s a great pity that so many people have spoiled days long queues.
Chaos on the A67 between Yarm and Teesside Airport Image: JIM SCOTT
“I am very sorry that the delays and the traffic have affected not only those who go to our air show, but also the local people who are trying to get around.
“I will talk to the organizers and do a full review and report as a matter of urgency early next week.
Read more: Teesside Airshow: Traffic chaos for potential spectators
“I will also contact the organizers to do my best to obtain refunds for those who suffered significant delays or were unable to attend as a result of the delays. At this time, I can only apologize again for any disappointment of people with reason. feel. ”
Chaos on the A67 between Yarm and Teesside Airport Image: JIM SCOTT
Thousands of drivers were stranded when the roads surrounding the airport were stopped almost completely for several hours.
Never before had scenes of chaos been captured, as a set of images showed the time the occupants left their cars to see how the red arrows fly at 12 at night.
“We’ll be lucky to get in before it closes”
Drivers, some of whom had traveled hundreds of miles away, said they had become “furious and disappointed” after paying more than £ 50 per family to watch the show.
A driver, who was trapped in heavy traffic on the A67 near Teesside Airport train station, said: “We’ve been queuing since morning. We’ll be lucky to get in before it closes. “.
Another driver, who said they were expected to arrive before 10am after traveling from Newcastle, said they had been furious at the congestion.
They said: “The police have been at the scene and have been managing the traffic, but we have had hours of that.”
On social media, hundreds of hits have been highly critical of the chaotic scenes, describing them as a disaster.
Read more: Teesside Airshow LIVE: Drivers stuck in queues for three hours while screens start
David Jones tweeted that he had actually given up after spending hours in traffic.
He said: “He gave up trying to get to @TeesAirshow: traffic planning doesn’t exist, he drove more than 100 miles just to spend 2 hours in the queue of traffic on the outskirts of Darlington and still be more than 2 miles away distance from the site. Abysmal event management. ”
Karen Groves said she surrendered after being “bumper-to-bumper” for two hours after traveling just seven miles from her home.
Traffic near Yarm Road in Darlington. Image: CRAIG STODDART
She said: “An absolute blockade. We only live seven miles away and we were trapped for over two hours, bumper to bumper.
“Parents were getting their children out of their cars and walking down! In February we bought tickets and parking spaces.
“This would be our first day in more than two years. So annoying, not good enough.”
Darren Petty said: “Teesside should be ashamed after welcoming him. It was a pathetic farce from start to finish. We tried to get out early at 2pm and we didn’t even move 10 feet in an hour “.
“Apart from Red Arrows and Spitfire / Hurrican, it was a spectacle farce, rather a glorified fair. The first and last time we’ll be upset.”
SkyLive, who is the event organizer, has not yet responded to our feedback.
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