Drivers ignore government advice to descend on park
North Lanarkshire are going to be working with police to further restrict access to Strathclyde Park.
With current lockdown measures in place, people are urged only to leave home for essentials.
The local authority had previously announced that the park would be closed from March 24 to vehicle access and that car parking would be closed, though access for pedestrians and cyclists would be maintained.
But that didn’t stop hundreds of people ignoring the advice and congregating in Strathclyde Park on Sunday.
The shocking images showed cars queued up in the park as people went outside to enjoy the sunshine.
This led to the council giving a harsh warning on social media about future consequences if this is to continue.
Depute leader of the council and Motherwell West Labour councillor Paul Kelly also slammed the irresponsible actions of some members of the public.
He said: “Thank you to everyone who contacted me regarding use of Strathclyde Park over the weekend by cars.
“This is a worrying situation as we all know the clear advice from the Government to stay home and exercise safely and sensibly. I have urgently raised this situation with the council.”
And fellow councillor Greg Lennon said he urged “all residents to stay in”, adding if this was not practical then “please at the very least ensure social distancing is practised for the sake of your/everyone’s safety.”
This news comes as Police Scotland praised the public for generally following the lockdown advice.
But they have said that they now have the power to issue fines should people not follow the advice given.
Police Scotland can issue penalty notices of £30, rising to £60 if not paid within 28 days, where they have reason to believe there has been an offence under the regulations.
Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said: “It’s clear that the vast majority of people are complying with the measures. They know the message is to stay at home, and by and large, they’re doing that.
“Where our officers have encountered people outside, they’ve been able to engage with them or educate them on why it’s so important to follow the guidance from our public health experts in order to save lives and protect the NHS.”