Road checks set for beaches and parks as police to fine rule-breakers

BEACHES and hotspot areas will be subject to road checks over the weekend as officers clamp down on people “who think it’s OK” to break the stay-at-home rules.

Police will be carrying out road checks around parks, car parks and seaside locations in the Cardiff, Porthcawl, Barry and Penarth areas and said they will be handing fines to anyone found to be breaching the coronavirus regulations.

As Wales looks set to bask in spring sunshine this weekend, South Wales Police is expecting to see some people determined to ignore the rules.

The force said road checks will be in place to “combat and deter” breaches of the coronavirus restrictions and people flouting the rules should expect to be stopped.

Last weekend was the sunniest day of the year so far and hundreds of people headed to beauty spots despite the current alert level-four restrictions requiring people in Wales to stay at home except for very limited purposes.

The force issued more than 370 fines as officers were called to break up 18 house parties and found three women having their hair dyed in a car park.

So many people flocked to the coast in Swansea that police asked the council to shut the car parks at Bracelet Bay, Langland Bay and Caswell.

And visitors were blocked from parking in Cardiff Bay after police were called to disperse crowds there.

Reacting to repeated scenes of anti-social behaviour and large gatherings at Swansea Marina this week, there will also be increased patrols in that area too.

A spokesman for South Wales Police said: “As we move into the weekend our officers and staff will once again be patrolling south Wales to help keep residents safe. We are asking the public to help us by adhering to the ongoing alert levelfour coronavirus restrictions to help minimise the spread of coronavirus.

“As a result of concerns being raised by the public, and previous significant breaches of the travel restrictions, officers will be carrying out road checks around parks, car parks and seaside locations in the Cardiff, Porthcawl, Barry and Penarth areas. Those travelling to these areas without a reasonable excuse should expect to be stopped and issued with a fixed-penalty notice.”

Superintendent Clare Evans added: “We understand that the restrictions are causing challenges, and we are grateful to the majority of residents who are continuing to do the right thing and are following the rules to protect themselves, their loved ones and the NHS.

“However, the improved weather is leading to more people thinking it’s OK to break the rules. Flagrant breaches cannot be tolerated and we will continue to respond to concerns from our communities.”