The National Republican Guard (GNR) has issued warnings and guidelines in advance of the 37th International Motorcycle Meeting in Faro, stating that personnel will be carrying out a high-profile safety operation aimed at motorcyclists, motorists and the public visiting the event.
During this year’s festival, from the 19th to the 22nd of July, the GNR will be posted to Faro’s main A2, A22, EN125 and EN2 access routes, on roads near the airport and on Faro Island, “to ensure the safety and flow of traffic.”
The GNR also will be on duty near the festival site itself and on Faro Island, “to guarantee tranquillity” and to intervene if anything gets out of hand.
The military also will be on duty “for information gathering and the prevention and detection of criminal offences,” with back up from a task force from the Public Order Intervention Group and the National Traffic Unit.
With this coverage, the GNR Command in Faro advises all those going to the festival to contribute to safety by driving carefully and not to be tempted by alcohol or drugs.
Those trying to get to the airport should leave plenty of time as the main access road may be backed-up.
Security can be expected to be tight this year after the arrest of 59 members of the Hell’s Angels in a swoop designed to head off trouble at the Faro festival.
Portugal’s secret service hinted that shootings were planned as was a Hell's Angels' plot to use a vehicle to run over rival gang members.
