Explanatory note

This Order amends the Epping Forest Act 1878 to allow the Metropolitan Police Authority or the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis (“the Commissioner”) to construct a Muster, Briefing and Deployment Centre in the area of Epping Forest known as Wanstead Flats for policing purposes for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Order removes the criminal offence that would otherwise attach to this construction and exclusive temporary possession for a specified time – from 23rd June 2012 to 20th September 2012. The Order furthermore enables the Conservators of Epping Forest to grant permission to the Metropolitan Police Authority or the Commissioner to construct such a Centre.

Article 3 of the Order widens the description of the term “Metropolitan Police Authority” to cover any other body required by an Act to “secure the maintenance of the metropolitan police force” – a duty of the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime conferred by Chapter 2 of Part 1 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill currently before Parliament.