Parade of Sail Tall Ships
15 Aug 2009
Tomorrow’s Parade of Sail, the culminating event of the Belfast Maritime Festival, is likely to draw record crowds both at Belfast Docks and along the Antrim and North Down shorelines.
With more than hundred thousand people expected to line the two coasts, there will undoubtedly be challenges for the police and our partner agencies to minimise disruption and keep everybody safe. We will all be working in close partnership to achieving this.
Along the Antrim Coast, the Parade of Sail will coincide with the “Shoreline Festival” at Loughshore on Sunday afternoon and evening which is also expected to draw large crowds.
Traffic disruption is expected along the A2 corridor along the Shore Road, Newtownabbey and between Gideons Green and Whitehead. It is vital that people use the sign-posted car-parks and do not obstruct residents or the emergency services. Cones and no waiting signs will be in place. Cars parked illegally will be towed at the owner’s expense.
The main vantage points along the route will be Hazelbank, Loughshore, Seapark, Carrickfergus Harbour / Marine Highway, A2 Coast Road and Whitehead. There will be parking facilities at or near each of the above sites.
We are reminding motorists that it is both illegal and dangerous to stop on any motorway or motorway slip-road, or set down passengers in such locations. Police will robustly enforce traffic and parking restrictions to ensure the smooth flow of traffic.
In North Down, the Parade of Sail will coincide with a festival at Seapark, Holywood, which will likely attract a large number of visitors.
Traffic disruption is expected along the A2 corridor between Holywood Exchange and Groomsport. Anybody travelling to the North Down coast to watch the Parade of Sail is asked to use the sign-posted car-parks and to not obstruct residents or the emergency services. Additional tow trucks will be in operation to remove illegally parked cars.
A car park will be available for the event at Seapark, Ballymenoch Park, Holywood. Please, only use the designated car-park if you are attending the event.
We are appealing to members of the public to help us by giving thought to traffic and parking arrangements prior to setting off and for their journey home and taking common-sense precautions to ensure their and their family’s safety while at the event.
Do use public transport wherever possible. If you have to use your own car, allow extra time for your journey and be patient when facing inevitable traffic congestion along the route.
We would also appeal to the public to exercise caution when approaching the water’s edge. Do not take unseaworthy vehicles into the water.
Police want everybody to enjoy tomorrow’s unique event – but maximise their enjoyment by giving prior thought to travel arrangements and personal safety.
