Over 100 cars turned away for breaking rules
MORE than 100 cars were turned back by Gardai on Thursday for attempting to break the 5k travel restrictions in order to travel to Brittas Bay and Magheramore.
Thursday was the hottest day of the year and saw visitors flock to both beaches, with many flouting Government regulations which state that non-essential journeys of over 5k must be avoided.
Some of the motorists who were stopped and ordered to return home included journeys from as far afield as Dundalk, which is over 160k away, and Clone, which is over 80k distance from Wicklow.
More than 40 drivers were issued with fixed charge notices for parking their vehicles illegally or on double-yellow lines.
A Garda spokesperson said: ‘Gardaí at Magheramore and Brittas Bay turned back more than 100 cars with people having travelled from places like Clonee, Dundalk and all parts of Dublin.
‘More than 40 fixed charge notices were issued for illegal parking. We would ask that people do not travel to these locations.’
Speaking on Thursday, Wicklow Gardai also vowed to keep both areas clear of cars breaking the restrictions over the bankholiday weekend.
Those within 5km are also requested to continue to socially distance and dispose of any gloves and masks properly.’
Cars were also turned away from both Brittas Bay and Magheramore over the previous May weekend for breaking travel restrictions, while other illegally parked vehicles were issued with fixed charge notices.
Gardai continued to turn cars away from various locations over the course of the Bank Holiday weekend.