RockNess revellers warned not to drink and drive
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Police warn festival goers not to drink and drive
ROCKNESS festival goers are being warned that the police will target drink drivers especially as they leave this weekend’s event.
Northern Constabulary is increasing its level of enforcement as part of a Scotland-wide summer safety campaign and warning those driving to and from the three-day event not to take any risks.
Inspector John Smith, head of road policing, said four people were detected drink driving after leaving last year’s festival but that was still four people who put their own and others lives at risk.
"We will not regard this as positive until every driver we check is tested negative and everyone gets home safely from the event which we hope will be the case this year," he said.
"If people are planning driving from the event, they should remember that alcohol can still be affecting you more than 12 hours after it is consumed so I would encourage those driving to bear this in mind."
Event organisers have this year included "green’ tickets" which include bus travel to and from the event. "I would ask those attending, even at this late stage, to consider whether they need to travel by car as it is a long event which will see most people very tired on its conclusion and, with this in mind, collisions can happen," Inspector Smith said.
Entry points to the event have also been changed slightly this year in a bid to improve the arrangements.
All cars, including taxis and cars with passengers to drop off, will turn right at Aldourie Primary School where they will be directed to the car park or drop off points. Those dropping off passengers will follow the one-way system to meet up with the B862, Dores road, and travel back towards Inverness. Buses will be directed to an entrance point just passed Aldourie School, also following a one way traffic flow to meet with the B862.
"This will remove more vehicles from travelling towards the village of Dores and improve access for those not attending the event, but as always we would ask that people leave plenty of time for their journey as due to the numbers attending the RockNess event there will be more vehicles on the road," Inspector Smith said.
Drivers in Inverness are also reminded to expect an increase in traffic on Friday and Monday 13th June and should allow plenty of time for their journeys particularly the area around the Southern Distributor Road.
