Police issue warning of traffic disruptions ahead of Derry's Maritime Festival

With thousands of people expected to attend the Foyle Maritime Festival, police are advising of some disruption to normal travel movements in and around the city centre over the course of the four-day event from 27th to 30th June.

Derry City & Strabane Chief Inspector Luke Moyne said: “We are working with partners to ensure the appropriate plans are in place for this significant event and we would encourage the public, and all those attending, to make themselves aware of traffic plans and restrictions that will be in place.

“The focus of the Festival is along The Quay area, which means there will be a road closure in the city centre, and an impact on traffic.

"We’re encouraging people to follow traffic information and directional signs on approach to the city. From a public safety point of view, we’re asking motorists to be aware of larger than usual pedestrian numbers, and for those pedestrians to take care when they are out and about.

"We are also asking groups going to any of the evening events, to make plans for how they will get home and for them to stay together safely at all times.”

Chief Inspector Moyne added: “Our officers will have a visible presence to provide advice and help to the public and assist with traffic arrangements. We’ll also have our mobile police station available from 27th to 29th June, which will be parked along The Quay, in the area beside Sainsbury's carpark where the public can chat to police about any issues of concern and where we’ll also have our popular free bike marking service (see details below).

“We would also remind the public that on-street drinking is only lawful in the areas clearly marked as designated zones only within the specified times.”

Chief Inspector Moyne added: "For those people not attending the Festival please be advised that due to increased traffic you may want to allow extra time for your journey should your route take you through or past the city.

"We hope to see a large number of people enjoying themselves over the course of the four days, and our request is for everyone to enjoy themselves in a safe and respectful manner.  We look forward to welcoming everyone to the city.”

Queen’s Quay closure

During The Foyle Maritime Festival, Queen’s Quay will be closed from Harbour Square to Queen’s Quay Roundabout from 8pm on 24th June until 7am on 2nd of July to facilitate the festival.

Bike Marking details

Bike owners can go along to The Quay, the area beside Sainsbury's carpark on Strand Road between 10am and 3pm on 27th, 28th and 29th June to avail of the free service.

Bikes will be registered with a unique reference number created in case it's stolen, and registered with the Bike Register website.

This marking process enables police to quickly confirm ownership details for any lost, or stolen bicycle when recovered. No appointment is required, all you need to do is to bring your bike; the process takes just a few minutes.