Police urging the public to keep sticking to the rules
Northumbria Police has urged people to continue sticking to social distancing rules, as officers deal with a rising number of people socialising in groups.
According to the current restrictions, people can exercise once a day with their household or one other person and should stay in their local area.
The warning comes after the unusually warm weather over the weekend drew crowds to the coast at Roker and Seaburn.
Assistant Chief Constable Neil Hutchinson from Northumbria Police said that patrols have had to deal with a rising number of incidents of people socialising in groups and has urged the public to keep following the rules.
In a statement, he said: “It is only natural people will want to enjoy the improving weather – but we would urge that everyone does so safely by continuing to follow the Governmentrestrictionsand guidance which have now been in place for some time.
“This includes only leaving home for essential reasons.
"When it comes to outdoor exercise, this should be carried out on your own, socially-distanced with one other person, or with your household/bubble.
“Unfortunately, our patrols have had to respond to an increasing number of incidents of groups gathering in public spaces to socialise, including drinking alcohol.”
“That sort of behaviour
puts people at risk and prevents others from feeling they can safely enjoy those outdoor spaces to take a walk.
He continued: “When it comes to the legislation, we will continue to take a common-sense approach, applying discretion and judgement when engaging with the public.
“However, people gathering to socialise in groups outdoors are well aware what they are doing is wrong and have made an informed
decision to do it anyway. In such circumstances, we will not hesitate in taking appropriate and necessary enforcement action in order to protect the wider community.”
Last week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson revealed plans for the easing of lockdown restriction over the coming months. The fourstep roadmap could see all social-distancing measures lifted by June 21, but the PM has warned “nothing can be guaranteed”.
Government incentives for buying electric cars should be extended to second-hand purchases, according to a new report.
Halfords made the recommendationasitwarned the cost of new batterypowered cars is too high for many motorists despite Government grants of up to £3,000.
It called for grants or loans to be made available, to boost adoption of the technology.
Some 2.17million used vehicles changed hands in the UK between July and September, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
Andy Randall, managing director of Halfords Autocentres, said: "Our research indicates that a more targeted approach to EV incentives may be required if the country is to join the transport revolution.”