Driving to the countryside to exercise is legal if the exercise lasts longer than the drive.
Despite police forces across the country telling members of the public they are not permitted to travel to country parks and beauty spots by motor vehicle during the coronavirus lockdown, a new document created with the Crown Prosecution Service states the opposite of this.
‘Driving to countryside and walking where far more time is spent walking than driving)’ is likely to be reasonable if you live in England, the police professional body said.
The “really useful practical guide” published by National Police Chiefs’ Council and the College of Policing also confirms that “stopping to rest or to eat lunch while on a long walk” is permitted but not when the person remains seated for a much longer period than the exercise.
“Exercise can come in many forms, including walks. Exercise must involve some movement, but it is acceptable for a person to stop for a break in exercise”, it confirms.
“However, a very short period of ‘exercise’ to excuse a long period of inactivity may mean that the person is not engaged in ‘exercise’ but in fact something else.
“It is lawful to drive for exercise.”
Country parks like Coate Water and Corsham Court remain closed by councils in Wiltshire.
