THE WEATHER IS SMASHING on the first day of the Electric Picnic festival at Stradbally in Co Laois – but many campers have been unable to make the best of the weather, being caught on traffic on the way from Dublin.

There are major holdups on the M50, with a 15-minute tailback between the Stradbally slip at Junction 9 as far back as Newland’s Cross, resulting from a collision this afternoon on the N7 just past the Rathcoole exit.

There’s a ten-minute delay to get past the site of the collision, which has now been cleared, though this wasn’t helped by another car breaking down a further 800 metres farther down.

The ramps on both the northbound and southbound sides of the Red Cow roundabout are also quite busy.

Away from the M50, there are major holdups on both the Naas Road and the Long Mile Road with traffic heading toward the festival. Traffic is stop-start from Johnstown to Newbridge.

Drivers are advised to take either the N4 or N81 out of the city before trying to merge back with the traffic outside of Dublin.

Those on the road can follow Dublin City FM’s LiveDrive show on 103.2FM or on Twitter at @LiveDrive. Of course, we suggest you don’t try to get onto the Twitter account while driving.

For those who still have a chance, many on site recommend bringing sun-tan lotion, as well as a pair of wellies for when the weather inevitably breaks.