The carnival is free for everyone but the police crowd-control a lot and you might not be allowed in to certain areas at certain times because streets get sectioned off.
If you have mobility issues or get anxious in crowds, it is better to arrive early and leave early.
In response to safety concerns, the police have announced the use of live facial recognition technology at this year’s carnival.
While the Met claims the technology has aided in more than 1,000 arrests for serious crimes, civil rights organisations argue that facial recognition is less accurate for women and people of colour, potentially leading to racial bias.
Police advise to:
Go with the flow of the crowd, don’t try to walk against it.
Don’t just rely on your phone, set a meeting place with family or friends in case you lose one another.
Keep your belongings with you at all times.
Plan your journey in advance – do not drive your car to the area, know your public transport options and routes to and from the carnival
Make travel plans before you leave – Transport for London (TfL) has a dedicated website showing all the best and quickest options, external.