Police warn against visiting Divis Mountain as good weather brings out crowds

By Q Radio News

The police have taken action against motorists at Divis Mountain after an increase in traffic led to dangerous parking. 

It comes after an appeal issued yesterday from the National Trust urging members of the public not to travel to the area, after good weather resulted in high visitor numbers to the site. 

We’re already experiencing huge amounts of traffic on Divis Mountain this morning resulting in dangerous roadside parking which the PSNI are managing. The car parks are now full so please do not travel here today.

— National Trust NI (@NationalTrustNI) February 21, 2021

Today, the police tweeted that they were in the Divis Mountain area for enforcement as the good weather continues. 

In a later tweet, they said they had been handing out fixed penalty tickets and were giving motorists advice.

West Belfast neighbourhood team have been dealing with parking issues at Divis Mountain today. Fixed penalty tickets issued and a number of motorists given advice. Please remember, there are two car parks to use and both are free of charge. Please be considerate folks. pic.twitter.com/XY8Wg5NNjp

— Police West Belfast (@PSNIBelfastW) February 22, 2021

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd said that we all need to make "informed and sensible decisions" about our actions, particularly in the run up to St Patrick's Day and Easter. 

He said: “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

"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."

He continued by saying the role of the police is to support the Executive and public health colleagues in ensuring we all play our part in stopping the spread of the virus and helping to save lives.

"We will continue to engage, explain and encourage people to make the right choices and where people breach the regulations, we will use enforcement where appropriate", he said.