PSNI steps up Easter patrols as visitors head to North Coast

Visitors travelling to the North Coast for the Easter holiday weekend are being met with an increased police presence, as the Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed officers are out on patrol across the district today.

With large numbers expected to travel to Portrush and surrounding coastal areas, police have issued a clear public safety message focused on responsible behaviour, road safety and respect for shared public spaces.

In a statement issued today, officers said:

“We want everyone to enjoy their Easter holiday safely, so we’ll have officers out on patrol across the district today.”

The operation comes as the North Coast traditionally sees a major influx of visitors during Easter, particularly to seaside towns, beaches and popular transport routes.

Warning over public drinking and littering

Police have also reminded those visiting beaches and other public areas that local council bye-laws remain in force.

The statement said: “Please drink responsibly and be respectful of others around you.”

Officers added that visitors should be mindful of restrictions covering alcohol consumption and littering in public spaces.

They said: “We would remind visitors about the council bye-laws preventing the consumption of alcohol and littering in public places and to treat our beaches and other shared spaces with respect.”

The warning is aimed at reducing disorder and keeping coastal areas clean during one of the busiest holiday periods of the spring calendar.

Joint operation with Translink on trains and stations

Alongside visible patrols in town centres and coastal hotspots, PSNI officers are also working with Translink to manage increased passenger numbers travelling by rail.

Police said officers are assisting transport staff “on trains and stations in ensuring passengers get to and from Portrush safely.”

This includes support at stations and onboard services where significant footfall is expected throughout the day.

The move is intended to help keep transport routes running safely and to support staff dealing with high visitor volumes.

Drivers warned over speeds and anti-social behaviour

A further strand of the Easter policing operation will focus on roads policing and vehicle safety checks.

PSNI confirmed that officers will be conducting joint operations with the Driver and Vehicle Agency to ensure vehicles travelling in the area are road-worthy.

Police also issued a direct warning to motorists planning to travel to the coast, stating that reckless or anti-social driving will be dealt with.

The statement said: “We will also be conducting DVA operations to ensure vehicles in the area are road-worthy, and police would like to remind all road users planning to visit, that any form of anti-social driving or reckless behaviour in general will not be tolerated – that includes excessive speeds in coastal areas, dangerous driving or any practice that puts the lives of other road users at risk.”

The warning comes amid longstanding concerns around speeding and dangerous driving in busy coastal locations during peak holiday periods.

Emergency contact reminder

Police have also reminded the public how to seek help if needed during the Easter holiday.

For non-emergency matters, members of the public are being asked to phone 101 or report incidents online through the PSNI website.

In emergencies, police said the public should always call 999.

Closing the message, officers said: “Please enjoy your time here and what the North Coast has to offer, and remember that together we can encourage Safer Roads, Safer Communities and Safer Socialising.”

As holiday traffic continues across the district, the increased patrols are expected to remain highly visible in and around Portrush and other key North Coast locations throughout the day.

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At a glance

• PSNI officers are on patrol across the district for Easter holiday activity

• Extra policing is focused on Portrush and the wider North Coast

• Officers are working alongside Translink staff on trains and stations

• Vehicle checks with the Driver and Vehicle Agency will take place

• Public warned over alcohol consumption and littering in restricted areas

• Police say dangerous and anti-social driving will not be tolerated

• 101 should be used for non-emergencies, 999 for emergencies