Cork gardaí warn cars blocking emergency access to beaches could be towed away

Officers will also discourage HGV drivers from taking 'rat run' routes along minor roads which could cause a danger to other road users.

Gardaí are mounting a major safety campaign in West Cork to ensure emergency access to beaches and other beauty spots amid an expected invasion of 'staycationers'.

Gardaí are mounting a major safety campaign in West Cork to ensure emergency access to beaches and other beauty spots amid an expected invasion of 'staycationers'.

Concerns have been raised in recent weeks by numerous local politicians about visitors 'abandoning their cars' on narrow approaches to many popular amenity areas in the region, and thus blocking the path of ambulances and fire brigades in the event of an emergency.