Intoxicated Toast patrons alarm drivers by playing traffic tag

SUCCESSFUL Toast to the Coast celebrations were marred by a safety scare at Leura Park Estate last Saturday when a number of intoxicated patrons waiting for public transport risked spilling into afternoon traffic.

A post in the Drysdale and Clifton Springs First Response Facebook page warned of intoxicated people dodging cars in an attempt to cross the highway after questions were raised on police presence.

“They were lucky I slowed to 40 . . . It was quite distressing to see them dodge cars going at 100km/h,” one woman wrote.

Leura Park is a hub of activity for the two-day wine festival — and situated next to the busy Portarlington Rd.

Senior Constable Lyndon Coad confirmed police had attended on Saturday to ensure the safety of both festival goers and road users.

“There was a large volume of intoxicated patrons near the highway waiting for taxi and bus services after Saturday’s event, posing a traffic concern,” Sen-Constable Coad said.

A Toast to the Coast spokeswoman acknowledged there had been a “minor incident” on Saturday.

“We understand there was a minor isolated incident which was quickly handled in-house and in no way impacted the success of the event or the patrons having a good time,” the spokeswoman said.

This year Toast to the Coast celebrated its 16th year by drawing more than 5000 people to the Surf Coast, Bellarine Peninsula and Moorabool Valley regions.