Gardai in Co. Waterford have urged those parking at busy coastal spots to ensure adequate room is there for emergency services to pass through.

This comes as a further yellow weather warning for high temperatures comes into effect today, possibly reaching 30 degrees in some regions over the next two days.

Emergency Services Access to the Beaches

Last weekend, beaches across the county were extremely busy with footfall, with motorists opting to park on the road.

In Bonmahon, motorists turned around in the middle of the road on the approach to the village unable to drive any further due to cars double parking.

Gardai confirmed to WLR that they are actively monitoring driver behaviour and issuing fines for those parking in an unsafe manner.

Parking Fines

Garda Iain O’Byrne from Waterford Garda Station told WLR that while parking fines will be issued, a more pressing issue for Gardaí and for the wider public is the ability for emergency vehicles to have access to coastal areas.

He said, ‘it’s vital that emergency services can reach the beaches easily where needed, especially with higher volumes of people visiting the beaches during the warmer weather. It’s vital that people can receive help if and where needed without roads being blocked by cars.’

He also reminded people to heed the advice of Water Safety Ireland when visiting beaches and coastal areas this summer.