Motorists advised of traffic disruption ahead of Derry's St Patrick's Day celebrations

Police in Derry City & Strabane have issued traffic and safety advice ahead of the St. Patrick's Day celebrations this weekend.

The St. Patrick's Day Spring Carnival Parade in the city starts at 3pm from Bishop Street Car Park onto Bishop Street, along Shipquay Street to Whitaker Street, turning left onto Foyle Embankment.

At Harbour Square Roundabout the parade proceeds along Strand Road towards Strand Road Car Park where it will end at approximately 5pm.

Speaking ahead of events, Superintendent Pete Brannigan said: "This is always a busy time of the year with a significant number of people visiting the Derry City and Strabane District for St. Patrick’s Day events.

"Due to the size, length and routes of the main parades in the city and in Strabane, there will be an impact on traffic, so we'd encourage anyone attending events, or visiting, to plan ahead and leave extra time for your journey. We'd also ask people to be aware of parking arrangements, and to park legally and safely."

The PSNI also confirmed a highly visible policing presence will be on ground throughout the St Patrick's Day weekend.

Superintendent Pete Brannigan continued: "Throughout this weekend and public holiday, many people will be socializing and be out and about, in particular during the night-time economy, and our officers will be visible and accessible across the District.

"We want to highlight our ‘Ask for Angela’ scheme, and a number of local businesses are participating. By asking for ‘Angela’, a person who may be feeling uncomfortable or feel unsafe within a licensed venue can quickly alert staff.

"They can then help reunite them with a person they trust, make sure they get into a taxi safely, call security to remove who is causing distress, or contact police."

Superintendent Brannigan added: “If you are planning on visiting bars, clubs or restaurants, we’d ask you plan your journey home by public transport, taxi or a designated driver.

"Remember the ‘Fatal Five’ and the steps you can take to avoid them - don’t drink and drive, slow down, don’t get careless, wear your seat belt and stay off your phone.”

If you need to contact police, call 101, always 999 in an emergency. You can also submit a report online via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/