PARKING AND BBQ ADVICE AS TRAVEL BAN LIFTED:
WALES is welcoming back visitors to its countryside, beaches and beauty spots as lockdown restrictions are further eased today.
Guidance barring Welsh residents from travelling further than five miles from their homes is lifted today, enabling people to travel around Wales and into the countryside for the first time since lockdown began.
The Welsh Government said the measures will “pave the way” for the tourism sector to begin reopening from Saturday, July 11, “if conditions allow”.
First Minister Mark Drakeford urged people visiting the countryside, beaches, and beauty spots to do so safely by respecting others, protecting the environment, and following physical distancing rules.
Over the weekend Welsh pubs, cafés and restaurants remained closed as similar businesses in England welcomed customers back for the first time in more than three months.
Scenes showing large crowds gathering on the streets of Soho, in central London, led to concerns from some that physical distancing rules could not be maintained within a pub setting.
The chair of the Police Federation said it was “crystal clear” that drunk people can’t or won’t socially distance.
But the Metropolitan Police said although “a small number” of premises closed early following advice from officers about overcrowding there were “no significant issues” in the capital.
The Welsh Government currently plans to allow pubs, restaurants, and cafés to open outdoors only from July 13 provided there is no resurgence in the number of Covid-19 cases.
On Monday the Welsh Government said the countryside code has been revised in light of the coronavirus pandemic. People are now asked to:
■ Respect other people
■ Consider the local community and other people enjoying the outdoors;
■ Park carefully so access to gateways and driveways are clear;
■ Leave gates and property as you find them;
■ Follow paths but give way to others where it’s narrow.
■ Protect the natural environment
■ Leave no trace of your visit and take all your litter home;
■ Be careful with barbecues and don’t light fires;
■ Keep dogs under effective control; ■ Dog poo: bag it and bin it, or take it with you.
■ Enjoy the outdoors
■ Plan ahead, check what facilities are open, be prepared;
■ Follow advice and local signs and obey social distancing measures.
Mr Drakeford said: “We live in such a beautiful part of the world and I know many of us are looking forward to visiting beaches, the countryside, and our many beauty spots.
“People throughout Wales have done so much over the last few months to follow the rules and help reduce the spread of coronavirus – I thank them for their patience and understanding. I ask them to continue in this spirit.
“Unfortunately over the recent weeks we’ve seen the results of people not treating parts of Wales with respect, with crowds leaving piles of litter in their wake. This selfish behaviour is a blight on our beauty spots and puts people at risk.
“While many footpaths and car parks are re-opening not all facilities will be available in every location straight away. Please check websites where possible and plan your visit. If your planned destination is too busy when you arrive have a plan B ready and try an alternative car park or destination.
“Coronavirus has not gone away and, while the evidence shows the risk outdoors is lower, there is still a risk.
We therefore need to continue to act responsibly. Be kind to local residents and to fellow visitors by parking considerately, leaving nothing behind, and following the recently-revised countryside code.”
Tegryn Jones, chief executive of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, said: “We know people have missed being outdoors and the important role that nature plays in supporting the health of our nation.
“We want to encourage people to enjoy Wales’ natural landscapes safely, responsibly and ultimately, more sustainably.
“National park communities are already working hard to ensure there will be a warm welcome for our visitors and we’re working hard with these communities and partners to ensure the national parks can be enjoyed safely by everyone.
“We urge those who choose to explore our landscapes in the coming weeks and months, perhaps for the first time, to do so with respect – for the people and wildlife, which call it home and for each other.”
Darren Millar, Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Covid-19 Recovery, said: “People across Wales have given up significant freedoms during the course of the coronavirus pandemic but today they are getting an important one back.
“The Welsh Government was wrong to impose an arbitrary five-mile travel restriction on its citizens. Such a limit was unnecessary, undermined people’s mental health and personal relationships, and made the reopening of many businesses unviable. I’m glad that the First Minister has finally caved in to our pressure and that these travel restrictions are now being lifted.
“The scrapping of this cruel rule can’t come too soon for those who will finally be able to see their loved ones for the first time in months, and for those who can finally reopen their businesses and get our economy moving again.”