Midsummer closes customer service, but the police continue to ensure public order and monitor traffic

Due to Midsummer, customer services, including permit services and the reception of crime reports, will be closed at all Western Uusimaa police stations on Friday June the 20th. However, the police’s online services will remain available as usual.

Throughout the long weekend, police officers will be present in traffic and public areas across the Western Uusimaa region, serving citizens as needed.

− We expect that Midsummer will traditionally bring people together, and some may also enjoy festive drinks. Typically, the holiday results in disturbances in public places and domestic call-outs for our patrols. At the moment, we are not aware of any large Midsummer events involving thousands of participants, but several smaller local gatherings have been reported to us, says superintendent Jussi Päivänsalo.

In addition to maintaining public order and safety, the police will be paying special attention to traffic. During intensified surveillance over the Midsummer weekend, the focus will be particularly on detecting drunk driving, whether under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Patrols will be operating both on roads and in the waterways around the Lohja area.

− Outbound traffic is expected to increase from Thursday afternoon onward on all major exit routes in the police district, such as highway 1 and main road 51. Provided that accidents can be avoided, we do not anticipate significant traffic jams. The police urge drivers to remain patient, keep safe distances and avoid unnecessary overtaking. Return traffic is expected to begin on Sunday afternoon, but we anticipate it will be calmer since many people may be starting their holidays with Midsummer, explains superintendent Aapo Isoaho.