Majority stick to lockdown rules but some still visit
Police officers patrolling Kent’s town centres and beaches over the Easter weekend reported that most people appeared to be following lockdown rules by staying at home.
But a small minority were still ignoring the social distancing advice and Kent Police say a number of fines were issued and warnings issued.
One family who travelled from London to spend the day on the beach were sent home by police. Officers spotted the group sitting on the sand at Joss Bay in Broadstairs at about 2pm on Bank Holiday Friday.
They were escorted back onto the London-bound A28 by a patrol car and sent back to the capital. Police say the family were spoken to.
Officers also spoke to three people who travelled from London to the beach in Hythe to spend the day together on Saturday.
Groups were also spotted having picnics in Mote Park in Maidstone, with police having to send some home.
A tweet published by Police in Maidstone read: “Is this your daily exercise? Is this essential?”
Asst Ch Con Claire Nix said: ‘It was pleasing to see the majority of people in Kent adhered to the government’s advice about staying home over the Easter weekend. Despite the warm weather and the four day weekend, many resisted the urge to venture out unless it was absolutely essential.
“Officers continued to patrol the county and where necessary reminded people of their responsibilities to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. However, there were some who ignored this advice and officers issued fines as a result.
“This included three people who travelled from London to the beach in Hythe to spend the day together on 11 April and several incidents where people were found to be travelling in vehicles with people not from the same household.
“The Easter weekend, and for the time being, the warm weather, may now be over but the government guidance for public safety during this pandemic remains and we urge everyone to follow the advice given.
“Police will continue to engage, explain to people their personal responsibilities and encourage them to follow the national public health advice. Enforcement, such as fines, is only used as a last resort.
“The force will also be following the national direction for all police forces in publicising its data on fines issued for breaking the coronavirus guidance on a fortnightly basis so that the public can be assured the force is doing all it can to keep them safe.”
Aerial photos reveal county’s empty streets - pages 30 & 31