PSNI warnings as good weather brings out weekend crowds

The PSNI has said officers will be patrolling Divis Mountain in Belfast after an increase in visitor traffic resulted in dangerous roadside parking.

It comes after an appeal on Sunday from the National Trust not to travel to the area.

They said the good weather had resulted in an increase in visitor numbers and full car parks at beauty spots.

The PSNI also said there were "large volumes of traffic on the North Coast" on Sunday.

"In line with the Health Protection Regulations, we are reminding the public of the need to maintain safe social distance and to stay within their bubbles," a post on Facebook said.

On Monday, the PSNI tweeted: "We are addressing issues at Divis Mountain and police will be in the area for enforcement.

"We would like to remind you that both sides of the roadway need to remain clear to allow the flow of traffic.

"This will be a focus for police in the coming weeks."

On Sunday, the National Trust, which manages the viewpoint, said "huge amounts of traffic" were resulting in "dangerous roadside parking".

They urged potential visitors to check their website for the latest travel information before making the journey.

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd called on people to make "informed and sensible decisions" about their travel.

"I understand that as time goes on people are tempted to get out and about and visit our local beauty spots and country parks however it is vital that people remember that we are still in the midst of this pandemic," he said.

"The risk of transmission in crowded settings remains a real risk and I would remind people of the health protection guidance on non-essential travel and not travelling unnecessary distances."

First Minister Arlene Foster addressed the issue on BBC Good Morning Ulster and urged the public to continue to follow social distancing guidelines.

"I would just say to people, we are so close to coming out of this," she said.

Causeway Coast and Glens councillor Norman Hillis, who is also a retailer in Portrush, said people should not travel unnecessarily and adhere to the stay-at-home message.

"Please don't be driving from Lisburn, Belfast or Armagh to visit the Causeway Coast.

"Hopefully we will soon be able to welcome you again, but at the present time people need to be following rules.

"Yes, we can see that there is a little bit of light at the end of tunnel but we need to follow the advice from the Department of Health."