North Yorkshire Police steps up patrols and tells Harrogate residents to stay at home this weekend after increase in people heading out on day trips

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North Yorkshire Police has said it will be upping its patrols and key routes will be monitored for signs of increased traffic and visitors to the area after noticing an increase in people travelling to the dales, moors or coast for a day trip.

Over 350 fixed penalty notices have been issued since the legislation was introduced in March and nearly half of those have been issued to non-residents who are coming into North Yorkshire to visit an open space or beauty spot.

Assistant Chief Constable Mike Walker said: “Usually we welcome visitors to North Yorkshire with open arms. However, for the sake of the health and safety of both the region and the nation, we are asking you to please stay away for the time being.

“We are aware of confusion that has arisen over the guidance around travelling for exercise and can understand that many people are looking for clarity around this issue. I believe the guidance issued by the UK Government couldn’t be clearer – to stop the spread of this potentially lethal virus, to protect the most vulnerable in our communities, our loved ones and our health service – we must all stay at home.

“In short, the virus moves if people move. So the way to stop the spread is to limit our movements down to only the very essential. Exercise can be and should be taken locally following the Government guidelines, which have not changed since the day they were issued.

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“Please believe me, I understand how important exercise is to people’s mental health. However, exercise can be taken from your doorstep and there is no reasonable or justifiable need to make a 50-mile trip to the coast, putting your own safety and the safety of others at risk. That’s why our officers will be patrolling this weekend and continuing to engage, explain and encourage the public to do the right thing. Where needed, they will resort to enforcement to protect the public.

“So, I would urge you to stop and think before you pick up your car keys and head out the door - is your journey necessary and essential? Is it for food, medication or to support a vulnerable person? If the answer is no – then stay at home."

Chair of North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum, Richard Flinton, added: “For those who still think a drive into our countryside is just the ticket on a warm spring day then our message is very clear. If you flout the national lockdown rules you may receive the ticket you didn’t want – by way of a fine. We are working really hard to educate people, but ultimately you risk a penalty and we are looking at further visibility along key routes, to drive the message home to the minority who aren’t sticking to the rules.

“Because the sun is up it doesn’t mean the virus is not every bit as deadly. Anyone can carry it, anyone can spread it and it is indiscriminate in who it hits hardest.

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“Please stay at home and exercise if possible from your doorsteps, because a fine is not the only thing you risk if you don’t follow the guidance.”