TAYL-F8 Response Historic AI-assessed

Revise Green Guide maximum capacity figures to reflect new density limits

Recommendation

Each figure for maximum capacity should be assessed in accordance with Chapter 16 of the Green Guide ("the Green Guide figure") subject to the following qualifications:-
(a) the maximum density permitted under paragraphs 221 and 222 of the Green Guide (when the terrace or viewing slope is in good condition) should be 47 not 54;
(b) the minimum figure specified in paragraphs 221 and 222 (when the terrace or viewing slope materially deviates from the recommended guidelines, so as to constitute a possible hazard to individuals closely packed) should be 0 not 27;
(c) in arriving at "the Green Guide figure", proper and realistic allowance must be made for all factors which should reduce the permissible density including those specified in paragraphs 220 to 224 inclusive of the Green Guide.

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
According to the Taylor Inquiry, the recommendation to reduce the maximum permitted density for standing terraces to 47 persons per 10 square metres, rather than 54, was a critical safety measure. While top-tier football grounds transitioned to all-seater stadiums following the Football Spectators Act 1989, the Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds (the Green Guide), 6th edition (2018), continues to provide detailed methodologies for assessing maximum capacities for all areas, including standing where permitted, based on conservative density figures. According to the available evidence, no further published updates to the Green Guide have been identified since 2018.
How was this assessed?
Assessed by gemini-2.5-flash on 19 Mar 2026
Checked data held on this site (government responses, progress updates, independent evidence)
External sources searched: www.gov.uk, www.legislation.gov.uk, hansard.parliament.uk
This recommendation requires implementation across many organisations. The assessment reflects central policy response, not adoption in individual organisations.
Jurisdiction
UK-wide
Response
Historic

No government response recorded.

Source
Report Taylor Inquiry — Final Report 29 Jan 1990
Recommendation age 36.1 yrs
Last formal update No formal updates