Appleby Horse Fair 2023 has galloped towards a close, bringing with it 42 arrests and 20 vehicles seized. 

Last year saw the highest number of bowtops and caravans with 1,231 recorded since 2015. However, this year 1,197 were recorded. 

The sunny weather on Saturday (June 10) especially brought with it a large number of visitors to the town. 

Looking to continue on the previous year's 'proactive approach', Cumbria Police took extensive measures leading up to the fair.

They conducted an operation on the A685, collaborating with the DVSA and stolen vehicle examiners from the National Rural Crime Unit.

During the operation, over 120 vehicles were stopped, resulting in more than 20 offences being ticketed, ranging from vehicle defects to driving infractions.

The fair itself saw a notable increase in arrests compared to previous years, with 42 recorded in 2023, compared to 18 in 2022.

Additionally, more than 200 traffic offence reports were issued, and over 20 vehicles were seized for various violations such as obstruction and driving without insurance.

Cumbria Constabulary also implemented its second Operation Tramline,  a five-day operation in partnership with National Highways. 

Operation Tramline saw police use an unmarked HGV to help officers spot driving offences from an elevated position.

In total more than 280 actions were taken during the week, including 122 speeding offences, 77 mobile phone offences and one driver caught without insurance or tax.

One driver was also arrested on suspicion of drug driving whilst two more arrests were made for possession with intent to supply.

'No incidents of concern' were reported at the new Travelling Man bar, located away from town centre. 

In the aftermath however, Appleby Councillor Oliver Swann expressed deep disappointment at the excessive amount of litter strewn across the banks of the River Eden. 

A 15-year-old remains in a 'critical condition' following a road traffic incident on Sunday (June 11). 

Rob Melloy, RSPCA chief inspector, expressed disappointment regarding exhausted horses observed at the fair. 

Chief Superintendent Matt Kennerley, the Gold Commander for Appleby Horse Fair, highlighted that most of the arrests were a result of proactive policing regarding driving offences rather than public disorder incidents.

"The event was controlled by a significant police resource throughout and we are pleased to see there was no significant issues of public disorder or potential public disorder which we have seen in recent years." 

Gypsy and Traveller representative on the MASCG, Billy Welch, said: "We’ve had great weather and it’s been a wonderful Fair.

“Everyone I’ve spoken to has thoroughly enjoyed themselves and had a really great time of it.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the police at all ranks for their outstanding work, and to all the public agencies on the MASCG for their professionalism in helping to keep this event safe and enjoyable.

“The new open space with a bar at the crossroads proved to be a very successful innovation and was much appreciated as a place for families to meet up in the sunshine, away from the busy town centre.

“All I ask now is that people take care when heading home and I’d ask that all motorists be aware as they can quickly come up on slow-moving vehicles if they’re not careful.”