Lovers warned to avoid dark lanes or risk Covid fines

LOVERS of the outdoors have been warned that the risk fines if they are caught canoodling in quiet country lanes in Derbyshire.

Derbyshire police have said that amorous couples who use secluded spots for passionate meetings could be in breach of lockdown restrictions if they are not social distancing.

Areas such as Lowes Lane, in Swarkestone, are getting regular patrols, as it is known as a hotspot.

Officers from Swadlincote police safer neighbourhood team (SNT) have reported telltale signs of non-essential activities down a number of dimly lit rural roads.

They have seen a significant number of discarded baby wipes by the roadside, what they consider to be evidence that illicit sex is taking place.

Inspector Christopher Thornhill, who is in charge of policing in South Derbyshire, said the area can be popular with amorous couples due to its “dark lanes” but said people need to abide by lockdown rules or they risk being fined.

It comes after a couple were caught by police having a ‘fumble in a Fiat’ at Mercia Marina, in Willington.

At the time people could only meet up for essential exercise, which the couple, the police joked, were certainly not partaking in.

Despite easing of the Covid rules this week, people are still being told to stay local.

Inspector Thornhill said: “South Derbyshire has a lot of back lanes and dark lanes. I think people think if they come to South Derbyshire they won’t be patrolled quite as often.

With the SNT doing active patrols there is every chance they will be caught.

“We need to encourage people to abide by the rules and even with Covid that means they cannot do some indoor activities [if they don’t live together].

“Don’t be tempted to go out. We have been seeing baby wipes being left which is not pleasant.

“One area popularly used is Lowes Lane, in Swarkestone. We make sure it is supported because it is used quite regularly.”