Police urge visitors to ‘check the rules’ as they turn away 1,000 cars from Welsh village in two days

Police in Wales are reminding their neighbours across the border check the rules before they travel, as tourists continue to flock there despite lockdown restrictions.

Last weekend more than 1,000 cars were turned around by police in the Brecon Beacons after visitors attempted to access the area known as ‘waterfall country’.

Many of those stopped claimed they thought the rules around travel were the same as in England, while others had deliberately flouted them.

“We have had people shrug their shoulders and say ‘I thought it was ok to travel’ or ‘I didn’t think I would be caught’,” said Chief Inspector Adam Ellis, of Dyfed-Powys Police.

“Others have been so determined to spend the day at these beauty spots that even after being turned around they have attempted to sneak back into the county via another route.”

Seventy-two per cent of people reported for breaches of Covid-19 restrictions in Powys since March 27 have been from outside the police force area.

In England, people can now travel an unlimited distance for exercise and to access so-called ‘beauty spots’.

But the Welsh Government has said people must remain local – ideally not travelling further than five miles from their home – for exercise or limited leisure pursuits, and this also applies to anyone travelling across the border.

Wales’ three national parks – which include popular sites such as Snowdon, the Elan valley and the Pembrokeshire coast – currently remain closed to the public, as do all National Trust car parks and properties.

Said Chief Inspector Ellis: “Our officers have worked hard to engage with the public at every opportunity throughout these unprecedented times, with enforcement remaining a last resort.

“Instead we have explained what we are doing and why, and encouraged people to make the best choices to protect public health in Wales.

“But I want to emphasise to any potential visitors that until there is clear direction that you can travel to Wales, stay at home or local to where you live.

“These areas will still be here to visit when restrictions are lifted.” 

The latest Welsh Government advice is available at gov.wales/coronavirus.

Case studies:

Campers from Liverpool breach Covid-19 rules with trip to Wales

Families from Warwickshire and Northampton stopped by Welsh police

Four fined after trying to travel from Dorset to West Wales to look at a boat

19 men from Merseyside fined for off-roading trip to Wales during lockdown

From misguided to bizarre: ‘excuses’ given to Welsh police force for breaking lockdown travel restrictions

Tweets:

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