Keep yourselves and others safe is the message, when visiting the re-opened pubs, bars and restaurants this weekend, one week after pubs were allowed open again in England. In Wales, police are likewise asking people – newly able to travel around the principality, and come in from England – to be safe, sensible and respectful.
Dyfed-Powys Police Temporary Chief Inspector Andy Reed said: “We are very lucky to police beautiful areas across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys, which attract thousands of visitors every week over the summer months. With restrictions having been in place since March, we understand that people are now keen to venture further afield and enjoy the beaches, mountains and countryside they’ve missed, and are anticipating a busy weekend ahead.
“Our officers look forward to welcoming you, and will be here if you need any help, but we ask that you help us by being respectful of the areas you visit, and by planning your journey before you set off.”
For anyone travelling to areas they are not familiar with, police recommend they plan their route in advance, check traffic updates regularly online and by listening to local radio, and be prepared to turn around or re-route.
T/CI Reed said: “Many of the areas that are popular with tourists aren’t served by main roads, but by B roads that can become backlogged very quickly. Nobody wants to spend hours stuck in traffic when they could be enjoying a day out, and there are ways to avoid this.
“If you’re heading to the beach in Pembrokeshire, for example, don’t set your sights on one place. Make a list of beaches you could visit, and be prepared to change your plans if you hit traffic off the main road. If you’re planning a hike in the Brecon Beacons, take a look at a few different walking routes – there are plenty of options besides Pen y Fan, which frequently gets overrun on sunny weekends and can cause problems on the roads with high volumes of traffic and parked cars.”
Police ask drivers to park considerately, leave gates and property as you find them, be careful with barbecues and don’t light fires, and keep dogs under control.
Meanwhile last weekend’s initial reopening passed relatively peacefully in Cheshire, says the force, and it’s hoping that will continue. Cheshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane added: “The vast majority of Cheshire residents have followed the government’s advice over the past few months and it was pleasing to see that the initial reopening of pubs, bars and restaurants passed relatively peacefully last weekend. I hope that this continues.
“The Chief Constable has assured me that his officers and police staff will be available to ensure people can enjoy their weekend safely but it’s important that Cheshire residents continue to stay alert to the threat of the virus and continue to follow social distancing measures put in place to protect us.”
Cheshire is among forces to have reported unlicensed music events; some raves resulting in physical and sexual assaults.
And in Greater Manchester, police likewise said last weekend ran smoothly, with just three premises voluntarily closing early after safety advice from GMP officers and local government. Supt Chris Hill of GMP said: “As we approach another weekend, one that promises slightly sunnier weather, I want to remind the public of the importance of continuing to social distance and respect others – the guidelines and restrictions still in place are paramount to preventing a second spike and not undoing the hard work done so far by everyone to minimise the spread of the virus.”
Dorset Police have received a number of reports from residents in Lyme Regis over recent weeks of young people gathering in large groups and playing loud music, often late into the night.
For the latest public health advice on coronavirus visit: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus.
