Visitors to Coate Water Country Park have removed police tape and opened the gates this afternoon, prompting police to attend and speak to those who had driven there.
Officers were stationed on the entrance to the car park at around 3pm encouraging the motorists leaving the park, who had broken to law today, to stay at home to save lives or face a fine.
Wiltshire 999s understands that police in Swindon are actively avoiding taking enforcement action against people until it’s needed, but that will soon change if people continue try and flout the law. Police are able to find people £60 (reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days and doubles for each addition offence) and arrest anyone who fails to obey their orders to return to their home.
No fines were issued to motorists on this occasion, but local police say they will have to start using their powers if people continue to ignore the lockdown regulations.
Country parks remain open to everyone, but Wiltshire Police have made the law clear – you are not permitted to drive to a location away from your home address in order to take exercise or walk your dog.
Yesterday, a police community support officer was seen placing warning leaflets on windscreens as the force work to stop all non-essential travel from taking place as per the government’s legal guidelines as they battle to save lives amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“Please remember we are in a pandemic that is costing many people’s lives”, a police spokesperson said.
Adding: “Current Government restrictions DO NOT permit you to use your vehicle to travel to locations for exercise. Each and every one of us has been instructed to avoid all unnecessary travel.
“We want to remind everyone that you should only use your vehicle for essential journeys.
“Current Government advice states you are able to leave your home for food shopping, any medical need or to provide care or help to a vulnerable person. Travelling to and from work is permitted, but only where you cannot work from home.
“You are permitted to leave your home for one form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk with your dog, or cycle ride – alone or with members of your household. You should not be driving to a location away from home to carry this out.
“We urge you to comply with the Government measures around social distancing, staying at least 2 metres apart from anyone outside of your household.”
