In the early part of 1980 I tried to drive across a main road from a minor road ,in Preston.I was held up for over an hour after I had put in a full eight hours work .Every road through was blocked.I got out of my vehicle and waited with the crowds ,eventually the motorcade past ,Prince Phillip waived so did the Queen but I don't think they recognised me.When I was in the RAF the Queen came to visit the base ,all leave was cancelled for a week that included everyone on the station.Another time all flights over an area near Oxford were stopped for a day while Prince Charles flew over the area.When Prince Charles did his parachute course he dropped into the sea ,everyone had to do it onto land.
During the Margaret Thatcher era at the party conferences all roads around the conference centre were closed,every time she moved a car would whisk her away with a helicopter flying overhead.Any delivery vans driven past the back of her hotel were routinely searched with their contents thrown out onto the pavement.Police marksmen were placed on top of prominent buildings.Ambulances and operating theartes were permanantly on stand by.All metal pavement and road access covers were welded together .Armed police were everywhere in the town centre making the holiday resort a fortress.
Just thought you would like to know.