VISITORS DEFY LOCKDOWN
DESPITE coronavirus lockdown restrictions and warnings against travelling for exercise, beauty spots across Wales were again busy yester day as people made the most of the frosty weather.
Police attended several areas which appeared to be busy and were also carrying out vehicle stop checks, reminding drivers on Welsh Government rules about essential travel.
Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons was again busy, despite police warnings after hundreds of visitors headed for the peak on Monday and Tuesday.
In one incident, fines were issued to a minibus full of people from different households who had travelled to Pen y Fan from Cheltenham.
Car parks were full, with dozens more vehicles parked on the roadside as the freezing weather did nothing to deter walkers.
Under the Welsh Government’s Level 4 restrictions, exercise should start and finish from your home and you should exercise alone or with a member of your household or support bubble.
Elsewhere, some beach car parks in Barry were closed in an attempt to deter crowds.
And officers attended Cyfarthfa Castle in Merthyr.
The Cardiff Bay barrage was also busy with hundreds of people out walking.
South Wales Police said on its Facebook page: “We have received numerous reports of crowds of people at beaches and other beauty spots across south Wales.
“Please remember that Welsh Government restrictions state that exercise should start and finish at your home – you shouldn’t be driving to these places.
“We know it’s hard, but we urge you to do all you can to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.
“We have stepped up patrols and will be stopping cars to check whether the journey is essential.
“Please understand that we are doing our best. However, we can’t be everywhere all of the time, it’s up to us all to do the right thing.”
Powys County Council said Wales was “not open” for visitors to travel to from other parts of the UK, unless for essential reasons.
Councillor Graham Breeze, portfolio holder for corporate governance, engagement and regulatory services, said he was “shocked” to see large numbers of people travelling to the Brecon Beacons to “enjoy the snow”.
“We all know that getting out and about is good for your mental health, but please stick to the rules and stay close to home,” he said.
“We are at Alert Level 4 for a reason, because there has been a huge spike in Covid-19 cases which is affecting all parts of Wales.
“It is putting a huge strain on our health and social care services and is placing the lives of our most vulnerable residents at risk.
“Powys has some beautiful places to visit but they will still be here to enjoy after the large number of coronavirus cases has subsided, while some of your relatives and friends may not if they end up catching this deadly disease.
“We need everyone to play their part and stay home over the days and weeks ahead – however tempting it may be to head to the county’s mountains, hills and lakes.”