Tall Ships return for biggest event ever staged in Belfast. PIC: KELVIN BOYES/PRESSEYE

THE Tall Ships event from 2 – 5 July will be one of the biggest spectacles in Northern Ireland with several hundred thousand people expected to attend over four days.

The PSNI say it wants everybody to enjoy the event and maximise their enjoyment by giving prior thought to travel arrangements and personal safety.

Superintendent Darrin Jones said his priority was for everybody to stay safe.

“It is great that Belfast will again welcome the Tall Ships Race festival and we want everyone to come and enjoy it to the full.

“However, there are a few basic precautions you can take to stay safe and not cause disruption to others.

• Police will robustly enforce traffic and parking restrictions to ensure the smooth flow of traffic. Please use the designated Park and Ride facilities provided. Any vehicles found to be illegally parked or causing an obstruction to businesses, emergency vehicles or commuter traffic will be removed at considerable expense to the owner.
• Look after your friends and family. Arrange a meeting point in case you get separated.
• Be aware of personal security in large crowds; leave valuables at home or keep them close to your body. Do not leave valuables on display in parked cars.
• Plan your route to the event and home again. Be patient when faced with traffic congestion when approaching or leaving the event. Avoid any congestion problems by using one of the public transport options available.

Added Supt Jones: “It is essential that everyone follows the signage that will be in place as well as instructions by police and other agencies to make sure that disruption is kept to a minimum and this can be a safe, enjoyable event for everyone.”

The following roads will be closed for the duration of the event:

Corporation Square and Donegall Quay, Belfast. However, access will be available through Corporation Square at Sinclair Seaman’s Church.

The closures will be in place Thursday – Sunday from approximately 10am to 11pm. Additional road closures may be required to manage traffic during the event.

A temporary traffic management system will be in place around the event sites on both sides of the River Lagan.

Park and Ride information

We would appeal to the members of the public to use public transport wherever possible. If you do need to bring your car, a Park and Ride service is available from two sites located at D3, beside Holywood Exchange and Boucher Playing Fields.

Shuttle buses will operate between the two sites to the Tall Ships event

Shuttle Bus Service

From the City Centre a free shuttle bus will operate between Wellington Place and Pollock Dock site on a regular basis.

For more information log onto www.translink.co.uk/tallships/

The public are advised to expect traffic congestion during the course of the event. Please, leave extra time for any journeys, especially if you are going to the George Best Belfast City Airport or the Ferry Terminals.

Sunday 5 July Traffic information

On Sunday 5 July the Tall Ships Parade will take place. Traffic disruption is expected along the A2 corridor between Holywood Exchange to Groomsport and the Antrim Coast Road from the Shore Road, Newtownabbey, as far as Portrush.

It is vital that people do not obstruct residents or the emergency services. Cars parked illegally WILL BE TOWED at the owner’s expense.