Police in Derry issue traffic advice ahead of St Patrick's Day celebrations

With parades taking place across Derry City & Strabane District for St. Patrick’s Day, police are advising of some disruption in and around the city centre and in Strabane around these times.

Speaking ahead of events, Inspector Cathal Pearce said: "This is always a busy time of the year with a significant number of people visiting the Derry City and Strabane District for St. Patrick’s Day events, and we hope everyone enjoys the festivities, and has a safe and enjoyable day. 

“Due to the size, length and routes of the main parades in the city and in Strabane, there will be an impact on traffic, so we encourage anyone on planning on attending events, or visiting, to plan ahead and leave extra time for your journey. We also encourage people to be aware of parking arrangements and, when parking, to do so legally and safely.

"Throughout this weekend and public holiday, our officers will be on patrol when many people will be socializing and be out and about, in particular during the night-time economy.

“We want to highlight our ‘Ask for Angela’ scheme, and a number of local businesses are participating. By asking for ‘Angela’, a person who may be feeling uncomfortable or feel unsafe within a licensed venue can quickly alert staff. They can then help reunite them with a person they trust, make sure they get into a taxi safely, call security to remove who is causing distress, or contact police."

Road safety Inspector Pearce added: “With increased traffic expected on the roads over the next few days, we will be working with our An Garda Síochána colleagues, co-ordinating road safety operations throughout this coming weekend. Authorised vehicle checkpoints will be in operation as a very visible, physical deterrent to anyone thinking about drink or drug driving.

“If you are planning on visiting bars, clubs or restaurants, we’d ask you plan your journey home by public transport, taxi or a designated driver. To anyone going out, think of how you’ll get home safely and remember, it can take time for alcohol to leave the system, so some drivers may still be over the limit while heading out the next morning. If you’re planning a night out, planning to drive, don’t drink any alcohol at all.

"To all drivers and road users, remember the fatal five: don’t drink or take drugs and drive; slow down and do not exceed the posted speed limit and drive appropriate to the road conditions; don’t be careless; always wear your seat belt and never use your mobile phone or any device that distracts you while driving." 

If you need to contact police, call 101, always 999 in an emergency. You can also submit a report online via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/