Gardaí encourage Electric Picnic motorists to follow traffic plan and advice
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An Garda Síóchána has asked Electric Picnic motorists asked to follow the Garda traffic plan, official signage and directions.
Large volumes of traffic are expected in the Stradbally area of Co Laois from today, Thursday 27 August, through to Monday 31 August, as Electric Picnic gets underway.
Gardaí strongly encourage festivalgoers to make their way to the site by public transport where possible. Portlaoise and Portarlington are the closest train stations to Stradbally and there will be a shuttle bus service between both stations and the festival.
Gardaí have asked motorists to plan their routes in advance and follow the Garda traffic plan which can be found on the Garda website.
Motorists are also asked follow official signage on key junctions and routes, and the directions of Garda members.
Gardaí will attempt to keep travel disruption and diversions to an absolute minimum and will be out on all routes in and around the site to ensure that all those attending can arrive safely.
Gardaí encourage festival attendees to approach those on duty - both policing the roads and inside the festival - for help in any situation, whether it is asking for directions or to report something or someone you are worried about.
Gardaí have also issued driving safety advice: Please take your time and slow down while driving; make sure you and those with you are belted up; keep your eyes on the road - leave the music streaming app to someone else for the journey, or have a set playlist before heading off; put the phone away to avoid it distracting you while driving (the notifications can wait) - this includes while in traffic; and stay alert and take a break if becoming tired, particularly while driving home.
Drivers must be aware of the danger of driving while under the influence of an intoxicant, whether alcohol and/or drugs. It greatly affects the ability to drive safely, including the morning after.
Garda checkpoints will be in place over the course of the weekend to detect those driving while under the influence. Should a driver fail a roadside test, they will be arrested. A blood sample will be taken and should that sample show the presence of a substance or indicates a blood/alcohol level above the legal limit to drive, the person potentially faces a disqualification and fine.
Car parks will open for general parking from 2pm today, Thursday 27 August. Roadside parking will not be permitted in any area - tow trucks will be utilised to remove any roadside parking.
There will be no collection point at any carpark over the duration of the weekend. The only collection point will be at the pick-up drop-off facility located just off the N80 on the Portlaoise (North) side of Stradbally. All buses attending the event shall use this area as well as taxis and other vehicles dropping patrons off.
