Garda warning as fans leave Electric Picnic site
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GARDAÍ have issued a warning to drivers as thousands of fans leave the rain-sodden Electric Picnic site in Stradbally today.
Gardaí are urging motorists to ‘proceed with caution’, as heavy traffic may include drink and drug drivers on roads around the site.
If in doubt, drivers can use one of the FlineBox interactive breathalyser stations around the site to measure their blood alcohol level, before deciding to get behind the wheel.
Garda checkpoints are in place and roadside tests are being carried out, to detect those driving while under the influence.
In a statement, gardaí warned: ‘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.’
Meanwhile, tractors and 4x4s have been busy pulling vehicles out of deep mud around the car parks, where conditions are still mucky despite regular spreading of bark.
Festival organisers said they are doing their best in terms of traffic management but the usual delays can be expected, with the period up to 4pm the busiest time to leave the site.
They said: ‘Electric Picnic are doing everything possible to reduce queuing, but there is only so much capacity on the roads.’ Plans are already gearing up for next year’s festival, with partner pre-sale tickets available on Tuesday, 1 September and loyalty/general sale opening on Friday, 4 September.
Festival Director Melvin Benn confirmed today that there will be no change in ticket prices for Electric Picnic 2027 and no increase in the current capacity of 80,000.
