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Mar 2020

Last Updated: 27/03/2020

North Yorkshire Police tells people to 'stay away from beauty spots' this weekend

by Ami Miller Lifestyle Reporter

| 27 Mar, 2020

The North Yorkshire force sends a clear message that it'll stop and fine people if they flout government lockdown measures

Thurscross Reservoir Photo: Geograph/Matthew Hatton

North Yorkshire Police clearly do not want a repeat of last weekend which saw almost record numbers of people driving to popular walking destinations in the Harrogate district.

RHS Harlow Carr in Harrogate shut its doors on Sunday after it was unable to control social distancing measures and Yorkshire Water had to close its reservoir car parks due to large numbers of visitors.

Ahead of this weekend, the force told people not to drive to the North York Moors, Dales or coast for exercise or any other non-essential reason.

Chief Inspector Ed Haywood-Noble, said:

“We do not want to see people travelling to beauty spots in rural areas for exercise or any other reason. In particular, do not arrange to meet up with family or friends. Instead, take your exercise near your home, with members of your household. And whether you’re in a car or on a motorcycle, do not go out ‘just for a drive’ or a ride in the countryside - if you break down, or have a crash you're putting lives at risk."

This weekend, officers will be stopping vehicles and asking motorists where they're going, why they are going there, and reminding them of the message to "stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives".

People ignoring these tougher restrictions on movement could be fined £60 fine initially and another for £120 for a second offence.

Louise Pullan, who owns a farm and runs a cafe called The Flock and Fold near Thruscross Reservoir, sent a video to the Stray Ferret earlier this week she was so upset at the crowds that turned up last Sunday. She said:

"There has not been as many walkers as there was at the weekend since the original Tour de Yorkshire in 2015. There was literally hundreds of people treading the footpaths of Thurscross, it's totally unacceptable."

Main image: Thurscross Reservoir photo:Geograph/Matthew Hatton