PORSCHE DRIVER CAUGHT ON ‘SPIN’ AROUND WALES

ADRIVER who took a Porsche from England to Wales ‘for a spin’ were among those tempted out of lockdown yesterday. Police forces across the country and the Welsh and UK Governments spent much of Friday and today urging people to only go outside for daily exercise or essential food shopping, to try to combat the spread of coronavirus.

And although many people are listening, there are reports others are still ignoring the plea to stay in except for some form of local exercise once a day.

South Wales Police said it was receiving calls from people reporting others for breaching the lockdown.

A spokesman for South Wales Police said: “We are receiving more calls indicating that people are out and not adhering to the Government rules.

“We know it can be tough to stay at home, especially when the sun is out, but for the sake of our NHS, we’re asking everyone to play their part, and help to save lives.”

First Minister Mark Drakeford also raised his concerns that people were out enjoying the weather despite the pleas.

In a tweet, he said: “Concerned to hear that visitors are travelling to parts of North and West Wales. This is NOT essential travel.

“You will be fined by the police, but more importantly you are putting yours and other people’s lives at risk. Please return home immediately, and help save lives.”

One breach of the lockdown on Saturday involved a driver from Shropshire who took his Porsche out “for a spin” around Wales and will end up facing court action.

He arrived in the north of the country to give his high-end motor a drive around the area, reports North Wales Live.

North Wales Police’s roads policing unit said in a tweet: “The driver of this Porsche decided to come ‘for a spin’ from the Shropshire area this morning.

“Stopped in Bala whilst we were on patrol.

“He has been reported under the new Covid-19 legislation and will be dealt with by the court.”

However, the vast majority of people did seem to be following the advice. Places such as Mumbles promenade, Bracelet Bay, Langland Bay and Caswell Beach in Swansea and Gower were virtually deserted.

A police officer was also spotted on Mumbles Road stopping people to see if their journeys were essential.

This is a stark difference to two weeks ago when beaches across Wales were packed as people headed there to eat fish and chips and soak up the sun, despite warnings.

The M4 near Swansea was also very quiet compared to normal.

One man had opted for another way to try to keep people indoors.

Mike Scott is the area supervisor for neighborhood watch in the Vale of Glamorgan. He has been driving around parts of South Wales with a loudspeaker on his vehicle with the message ‘Please stay home, protect the NHS and help save lives’.

He said: “We have been doing this constantly on a rota. We have been doing Penarth, Dinas Powys, Llandough, the Marina and also Sully today and on Sunday.

“The general response is that most of the public think we are doing a good thing and hopefully people will listen and keep our national health safe.”

Instead of heading to the beach, some people went to the supermarket.

There were queues stretching into the car park as people tried to stock up on food and other supplies at Tesco extra in Fforestfach and Talbot Green, as well as Asda in Gorseinon.

Supermarkets are introducing new rules for shoppers as the coronavirus outbreak continues with changes to what you are allowed to buy and who is allowed to shop.