For the 61st year, returned servicemen and women from Sydney’s Northern Beaches will be given a VIP police escort into the CBD for the Anzac Day March on Tuesday (25 April 2016), NSW Police say.
War veterans will depart the Collaroy Plateau War Veterans’ Home and be driven by a fleet of Manly-Warringah Cabs into the city, under escort by police from Northern Beaches Local Area Command and the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command.
North West Metropolitan Region Commander, Acting Deputy Commissioner Denis Clifford, said the tradition began in 1974 and has continued every year.
"This is an important tradition not only for the men and women who will be transported under escort on the day, but also for the local community," Acting Deputy Commissioner Clifford, said.
"Taxi drivers generously donate their time and vehicles to transport the diggers to the march and I am proud to have police from my region assist in this long-running tradition.
In the past, hundreds of people have lined the streets to show their support as the veterans are escorted under a "green-light corridor" along the Northern Beaches and North Shore to the city.
This ensures the group arrives together and on time for the start of the march at 9am.
"We hope to see the community cheering and waving flags when they see the convoy pass by," Acting Deputy Commissioner Clifford said.
"Other motorists may experience minor traffic disruptions during the journey, but I am sure they will be understanding and patient."
The escort will leave Collaroy at 7.30am and travel along Lantana Avenue to Veterans Parade, Heather Street, Parks Road, South Creek Road, Pittwater Road, Condamine Street, Burnt Bridge Creek Deviation, Manly Road, Spit Road, Military Road, Bradfield Highway, Cahill Expressway into Macquarie Street, Prince Albert Road, College Street, Park and Castlereagh Streets, where they will wait to connect with other veterans and taxis from other parts of the city. They will then connect with the official Anzac Day March.
For all up-to-date traffic information, including road closures and special event clearways, refer to the Live Traffic website for details: www.livetraffic.com.
Further information about Anzac Day events is available at www.anzaccentenary.gov.au/events.
