A major Garda traffic management plan swings into operation tomorrow as country roads around Laois prepare to be swamped by Electric Picnic fans.
Car parks open at 9am but gardaí warned no roadside parking or drop-offs will be allowed in or around the festival site near Stradbally — and tow trucks will remove offending motors.
Special zones have been set aside for coaches, mini-buses, taxis and disabled drivers and all must follow specially designated routes into the parking zones near the town.
Fionnuala Sheehan, chief executive of drinkaware.ie, also urged drivers to take care behind the wheel.
“The secret to sobering up is time — no amount of coffee, energy drinks, cold showers or even a full Irish — will speed up the process.
“You might feel better but it doesn’t mean you are fit to drive.”
The garda traffic plan means car drivers from Dublin and Limerick must leave the M7 at Exit 16 and continue on to Broomfield, Sheffield and Money Cross for special parking areas.
Motorists from Cork will leave the N8 at Abbeyleix and head towards Ballyroan and on to Money Cross.
Local traffic from Carlow, Athy, Portlaoise and Vicarstown will also be diverted to designated areas with only Portlaoise motorists allowed into Stradbally and others directed to Gate three at the venue.
Electric Picnic organiser John Reynolds said car parks and campsites will be open for 9am and warned ticket holders to get there early either by car pool or public transport.
“The traffic is something we have no control over, but we have spent a lot of time with the gardai and civil defence to ensure the traffic tomorrow runs perfectly,” he said
“Our car parks are spot on. Come down as early as you can and please follow the routes that are given.
“We’re expecting everyone to be in by early tomorrow evening and encourage people to get down before 6pm.”
PA