Well its almost time for the concert on the hill, As a volunter fireman and first responder I hope everyone has a safe concert. Remember booze and cars dont mix. I just recieved a post from the RCMP about the plans they have for the concert.

"???Country Rocks the Hill??? concert , Moncton, N.B.

"Codiac Regional RCMP is ready for the ???Country Rocks the Hill??? concert on August 19, 2006. A command post has been set up on the concert site and will be the base for all police services associated with the concert.

Sgt. Guy Dupuis and Sgt. Jeff Johnston will be the on-site commanders for the day long event and will be in charge of all RCMP resources connected to the concert including the helicopter, police dog services, motorcycles and bicycle patrol. Being on site will allow the site commanders to be in close contact with the promoters ??? Power Promotional Concepts, Moncton Fire Department, City of Moncton, and Southeast Regional Health Authority. They will also be in direct contact with Cpl. Al Boulianne who is in charge of the Traffic Enforcement Section.

The Codiac Regional RCMP security and traffic plans address safety and security for both concert goers and residents. As part of the security measures, Transport Canada, at the request of the RCMP, will close the airspace above the Magnetic Hill Concert Site. No aircraft will be permitted within one nautical mile of the site.

Motorists are reminded that as of 8 am Saturday morning traffic control points will be set up on Gorge Road, Front Mountain Road and Mountain Road which may cause traffic delays. It is also anticipated that traffic will be heavier than usual on Mountain Road especially near the entrance to Magnetic Hill which is also the only entry to the paid parking area provided by the promoter. A drop off location for those getting rides to the concert will also be in the same area.
Pedestrians and those taking Codiac Transit are reminded to use the Gorge Road to get to the concert.

Codiac Regional RCMP Superintendent Todd Shean advises all residents that during the concert they can continue to expect the same level of policing services in Moncton, Riverview and Dieppe. The resources used for the concert will not affect the regular complement of members on patrol."

What happens for people who do not drive, who are not registered disabled but would have a problem with the hour walk between bus drop off/pick up...temporary ankle sprain, bad back etc.

The concert organisers have told me they 'feel sure' that taxis can drop off much closer, but are non committal. The taxi company has referred to 'same drop off's/pick ups' as for the Stones last year and quote a $15 fare from Mountain Rd/Connaught area which seems acceptable but they quote this having only an assumed idea of drop offs/pick ups. According to the map and info in the paper today, the car/taxi drop off point is not that much closer than the bus point anyway.

My wife and step-daughter are totally unfamiliar with the area there and something definite would be nice to know.

Does that $15 take account of the meter running in traffic hold ups? Does ANYONE have experience of traffic conditions based on last year? Do full 'concert buses' pass you while waiting at Mountain Rd bus stops?

Anyone have any information or advice please?