Warning: Lock up your caravan!
Petrol 99p, sun out, but police say axe Easter getaway (and we’ll spot you if you’re towing)
‘Getting a bit stir crazy’
BORIS Johnson last night begged Britons to cancel their Easter getaway plans amid fears the sunny weather will jeopardise the lockdown. He spoke out as police chiefs warned the public to stay at home over the holiday or risk being fined.
Forces plan to step up patrols in beauty spots and major routes to the coast, as officers warn ‘ lockdown in Easter shouldn’t be much different from lockdown’ on any other day.
Tourism bosses have warned the warm weather this weekend may tempt families into flouting the rules. Petrol prices have also plummeted in recent weeks to as little as 99p a litre in some places.
Gloucestershire Police said officers would be stopping motorists who appear to be heading on holiday, such as those towing caravans.
The force said there had been particular concern in some rural areas that second home owners will be visiting over the Easter holiday. Yesterday, Boris Johnson said he understood ‘everybody may be getting a bit stir crazy’. But the Prime Minister pleaded with Britons to ‘ stick with the guidance’ to avoid an NHS meltdown. He said: ‘I reckon a lot of people will be starting to think that this is all going on for quite a long time and would rather be getting out there, particularly if you’ve got kids in the household, everybody may be getting a bit stir crazy, and there may be just a temptation to get out there, hang out and start to break the regulations.
‘I just urge you not to do that.
Please, please stick with the guidance now.’ Downing Street said ministers were prepared to bring in stricter measures.
The Met Office has forecast sunny spells today and tomorrow, with temperatures set to reach 20C (68F) in some parts of the country. Yesterday a number of police forces announced extra high-visibility patrols over the sunny spell.
Humberside Chief Constable Lee Freeman said: ‘ I ask that people do not allow themselves to be tempted to become complacent.’
Under the public health regulations, anyone caught outside their home without a good reason faces a £60 fine or the possibility of arrest.
In France, tens of thousands of extra police have been deployed and road blocks set up for Easter. Health Secretary Matt Hancock declined to rule out following the French example of having police at stations checking people’s movements.
The Welsh government will introduce a law forcing all employers to make sure their workers keep 6ft apart, the first of its kind in the UK.
■ Latest coronavirus video news, views and expert advice at mailplus.co.uk/coronavirus