This September over 60 world leaders will be coming to Wales to attend the NATO Summit at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport. A series of associated events will also take place in Cardiff.
In preparation for the summit, a great deal of planning is happening to ensure the event is safe and that any potential disruption for the local community is minimised.
This will be one of the largest security operations ever undertaken in the UK with extra police officers and staff from all over the country arriving in the area to help police the event.
Policing
Normal policing will be maintained and Neighbourhood Officers will continue their daily duties, patrolling the area protecting, and reassuring communities. You can expect to see more police officers and activity in your area providing security around the time of the summit.
NATO summits have previously provided a focus for protestors and the Police Service respects the right for peaceful protest.
Travel
Rest assured we are working with our partners on plans to minimise disruption, but at some specific times over the 2 days of the summit it is likely to be significant. It is anticipated that any impact will be potentially focused around the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, the City Centre of Cardiff, and the roads in between, particularly the M4.
At this stage it is not anticipated that the M4 will be closed at any point. Even at this early stage, motorists are advised to plan ahead and consider their travel arrangements carefully during the summit period.
Latest traffic information can be found at Traffic Wales.
Public transport
We anticipate significant and unavoidable congestion at certain times on Thursday 4 September, and Friday 5 September, and the use of public transport is advisable, especially for local journeys around Newport during this time.
Nearer the time check for travel information at Traveline Cymru, Arriva Trains Wales, Cardiff Bus, and Newport Bus.
Local services
We will be working hard to ensure any disruption to local services and impact on local communities and businesses is minimised.
Local councils for Newport and Cardiff have written to school governors advising them on the implications of the NATO Summit. It will be for individual schools to decide whether they should close, although we would expect the majority to be able to remain open.
For updates on local services visit the websites of Cardiff Council and Newport Council.
Emergency Services
The NHS is making contingency plans to deal with any increase in demand over this period, while protecting services for people of the area.
All emergency services will continue to operate throughout the summit. Call 101 for non-emergencies and always call 999 in the event of an emergency. For further information visit the websites of South Wales Police and Gwent Police.