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Hardknott Pass - licensed CC BY-ND 2.0 by kenugee on FlickrStay away! Non-locals told not to visit beauty spots across England for exercise despite lockdown restrictions being eased
With people in England able to drive anywhere in the country to take their exercise from tomorrow as part of the first easing of lockdown rules, tourism bodies and council bosses are telling non-locals to stay away, with one saying that it is “shocked” at the government’s decision.
People are urged to keep away from areas including Cumbria and the Peak District, both of which are hugely popular with cyclists from nearby towns and cities as well as those from farther afield.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the partial softening of lockdown arrangements in an address to the nation on Sunday.
As well as being able to drive to outdoor spaces, no matter the distance, people can also exercise with one person who is not a member of their household, provided social distancing is observed.
In normal times, Cumbria Tourism would be using social media to try and attract visitors to the Lake District, but it the county is one of the hardest-hit parts of England by COVID-19.
Some 2,115 cases have been recorded in Cumbria to date, making it the seventh most affected local authority area. It has 424 cases per 100,000 population, which puts it in sixth place, all of those above it being in urban areas – four in the north east, plus the London Borough of Brent.
On Sunday evening, the tourism agency posted on Twitter to say it was “shocked by the timing and short notice of tonight’s announcement.”
It added that “the safety of residents must come first,” and that “for now, tourism businesses in Cumbria remain closed and we urge everyone to continue to Stay Home.”
We are shocked by the timing and short notice of tonight's announcement. We are awaiting further details but the safety of residents must come first. For now, tourism businesses in Cumbria remain closed and we urge everyone to continue to #StayHome.
— Cumbria Tourism (@cumbriatourism) May 10, 2020
That partial lifting of restrictions was confirmed yesterday in the Recovery Strategy document, which said: “People may drive to outdoor open spaces irrespective of distance, so long as they respect social distancing guidance while they are there, because this does not involve contact with people outside your household.”
It added: “When travelling to outdoor spaces, it is important that people respect the rules in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and do not travel to different parts of the UK where it would be inconsistent with guidance or regulations issued by the relevant devolved administration.”
In a statement yesterday, Cumbria Tourism’s managing director, Gill Haigh, welcomed the government’s ‘roadmap’ to recovery, highlighting that the loss to the area’s visitor economy would stand at £1.45 billion by the end of the month.
“However,” she said, “with Cumbria continuing to have one of the highest incidences of Coronavirus per head of population and a high number of older residents, the safety of local residents must take absolute top priority, along with a collective responsibility to help protect Cumbria’s NHS workers.
“We were genuinely surprised by the government announcement regarding travel to destinations for exercise.”
She added: “We look forward to seeing our visitors return when the time is right, for now our tourism businesses remain closed and Cumbria Tourism asks for everyone to continue to remain at home.”
Her appeal to people to stay home and not visit beauty spots for their exercise has been repeated by tourist bodies and officials across England and beyond.
Sarah Fowler, chief executive of The Peak District National Park, which lies close to major cities including Manchester and Sheffield, asked people to “please carefully consider your own wellbeing and that of the Peak District’s many small communities” before travelling there.
She highlighted that most of the park’s amenities – including visitor centres, bike hire facilities, car parks, and public toilets are closed until further notice.
“Continuing to use local parks and outdoor areas close to your home can continue to provide the crucial breathing space for you and for us, to ensure the Peak District can be a safe and welcoming place to visit in the weeks to come,” she continued.
“In this way we can ensure we don’t place undue pressure on public highways, emergency access or key workers.
“With around 2,000 Covid-19 cases across Derbyshire alone and local services and resources already fighting on a significant front, is it vital that we limit the impacts on our residential towns and villages wherever possible,” she added.
Meanwhile, the leader of Devon County Council, John Hart, said that would-be visitors, including second-home owners, needed to continue to stay away from the region.
Devon, as well as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, are two of the five local authority areas least affected by the coronavirus in terms of cases per 100,000 population, at 98 and 97 respectively.
Councillor Hart, quoted on Devon Live, said: “We will have to be particularly careful in the South West that we don't see a spike in infections.
"Thanks to the common sense and cooperation of the vast majority of our citizens, we have remained the lowest region in the country for infections throughout this pandemic.
"That must continue as we begin to see the economy start to rev up again - safely - whilst our residents can have some idea of how we can begin to move slowly out of lockdown.
"It is vital to get our economy going again but we must do this slowly and surely to avoid any second or subsequent spikes which would see us plunged back into an even more severe lockdown,” he continued
"Because of that danger, I would renew my appeal to holidaymakers and second homeowners to stay away from Devon especially as they are still forbidden from staying overnight. But we will be delighted to see you as soon as it is safe for you to visit.”
Meanwhile, police forces in Wales, where restrictions on movement were already stricter than they were in England even before Sunday’s announcement by the Prime Minister, are gearing up to turn away would-be visitors from England.
Carmarthenshire Police handed out more than 200 fines over the bank holiday weekend to people found to have been breaking lockdown restrictions, reports Wales Online.
Among those fined were a family of five who had made a 200-mile round trip by car from Warwickshire to go to the beach, as well as a family of four from Northamptonshire who “fancied a spin” and were told to go home by police in Carmarthen and were then stopped again later on even further west.
Inspector Williams of the force’s roads policing unit said: “After being reported and advised to turn around, they were stopped again in Pembrokeshire, which was their original destination. This time they told officers they had got lost.
“They were once again directed in no uncertain terms to return home, and were further reported.”
Speaking about the bank holiday weekend generally, he added: “Unfortunately, we have come across people who have travelled hundreds of miles into the force area for non-essential reasons. We would like to remind people that travel in Wales is still only for essential purposes.”
Simon joined road.cc as news editor in 2009 and is now the site’s community editor, acting as a link between the team producing the content and our readers. A law and languages graduate, published translator and former retail analyst, he has reported on issues as diverse as cycling-related court cases, anti-doping investigations, the latest developments in the bike industry and the sport’s biggest races. Now back in London full-time after 15 years living in Oxford and Cambridge, he loves cycling along the Thames but misses having his former riding buddy, Elodie the miniature schnauzer, in the basket in front of him.
Latest Comments
- eburtthebike 5 hours 32 min ago
Well, it is humanity's defining characteristic: better get used to it.
- hawkinspeter 6 hours 23 min ago
I would've thought that the alternative to weaving between pedestrians is riding into them. It sounds like a catch-all reason as they can simply...
- hawkinspeter 6 hours 31 min ago
They don't make them like they used to
- ktache 7 hours 6 min ago
Lovely paint job, and the concealed thru axle end is a nice touch, but that frame, and I'm not casting aspersions on anyone who will ride them...
- LongitudeLatitude 7 hours 21 min ago
Thanks for using my picture of chocolate in your opening picture. The original can be found here, chocolate! | LongitudeLatitude | Flickr.
- lesterama 7 hours 48 min ago
Fair comments. I'll put my hands up and say I got the wrong end of the stick with this one. ¡Feliz navidad! Here's a pic for the season of goodwill.
- Mike Holmes 7 hours 52 min ago
A trip down memory lane (or street) for me - Harry Quinn's bike shop was at the top of our Street and I used to spend time staring at the bikes and...
- Bigtwin 8 hours 8 min ago
Because people aren't buying those cars. They are effecively renting them on PCPs or via companies. The bike market doesn't work like that.
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29 comments
People will ignore advice and visit National Parks. That's just humans for you. The same people who have been furloughed i.e. paid to stay at home, and have spent next to no time at home, walking more than once per day, going to local beauty spots to picnic, stripping the supermarket shelves etc etc. Far too many think they are on a fantastic holiday, paid for by the taxpayer. And the weather hasn't helped matters.
Just before the lockdown came in, when people were being asked to keep their distance from others, I cycled out very early to Malham, on my own. When I should have been descending into Malham when it is usually deserted, it was busier than a Bank Holiday. The cars were parked nose to tail right out of the village, people were crowding everywhere, falling off pavements, bumping into each other, laughing as they went down the lane, rubbing shoulders with complete strangers. I couldn't wait to get out. For the next couple of miles, until I turned onto a tiny lane, the road was full of people driving into a beauty spot bursting at the seams.
Nobody is being 'paid to stay at home'. People are being paid to retain their services while there is no work that they can do, and to prevent a massive spike in unemployment. There's no reason why they shouldn't go outside during that time, provided it's for one of the reasons that all of us are permitted to go outside.
People (in England) have been told they can drive for however long they want for exercise, some limited sport and "recreation". This is from the Prime Minister, not some local counciler or national park representive.
And if the Great British Public has driven for hours to get somewhere and happens to find the car parks have been closed, will they turn back? Will they hell, they will use their Great British Commen Sense and park wherever they want (no change there then, they have all paid "Road Tax" (well most have...)) and bloody well recreate. And if there are no toilets open, well there is that GB Common Sense again...
Grauniad yesterday had an op-ed wondering if all this will hasten the breakup of the UK. eg. English people can drive (or cycle, or walk) as far as they want, but as soon as they cross the border into Wales or Scotland they are breaking the law. So, English people are effectively banned from Wales or Scotland.
Johnson has basically made himself the Prime Minister of England instead of the UK...
Funtime for cyclists is over anyway. Had to go to visit the parents and drove through 2 towns and it was like a pre Covid day on the roads. I bet all those bike orders will get cancelled now.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p08cxc87
News piece on BBC about various tourist destinations "staying closed".
Forestry England were on social media the other day with a list of car parks that were remaining closed - basically everything in Whinlatter and Grizedale, Gisburn Forest in Lancashire and most in Kielder. And also saying not to park along verges as that would be enforced under normal obstucting a highway rules.
so, not enforced then?
The only person checking verge parked cars will be looking for something to steal!
Interesting. Their avowed purpose is, "... caring for over 1,500 of our nation’s forests for the benefit and enjoyment of all...". So not just local forests for locals. And, as far as I can tell they have no remit to set the course of public health policy.
A local beach for local people? (Nothing for you 'ere) I am genuinely confused about what I can, cannot and should/shouldn't be doing.
https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/18441166.coronavirus-bcp-council-...
https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/18444978.fears-visitors-will-floc...
I can't imagine the Bournemouth Council leader's message going down well in the tourism industry?
There currently isn't a tourist industry! Nothing is open bar a few cafes doing takeaway only. No toilets, no facilities, limited shops (mostly with enough stock for locals, not for hoards of visitors) and a whole pile of shit "guidance" that has been leaked, U-turned, "clarified", revised, backtracked...
Many people are bored of lockdown, desperate to get back to some degree of normality. Many people are absolutely terrified of "virus" because not much of it has been properly explained in a clear concise manner; it's all been lies, slogans, bullshit, media leaks and fake news but you'll have seen them, they're the ones that throw themselves into a hedge screaming "TWO METRES!!!" when they see a cyclist and then go home to write rude signs.
Basically, half the population want to go out, the other half want the first half to go out anywhere other than where they live.
FTFY.
Looks like we can add a new thing to the whole garden/no-garden split.
We now have all the people who live in gorgeous tourist-trap areas vs the people who'd like to visit the gorgeous tourist-trap areas.
The problem in the UK is that nobody really knows what the current risk is, the only figures being quoted are the total infections per 100k since testing began, what use is that to anybody? You might as well quote historic figures from Spanish Flu and lock down for that as well.
If the German example was followed you would have a running 7 day rate of confirmed active cases, exceed 50 per 100k and an area or city is looking at being in lockdown again. Many areas of Bavaria had a far higher (confirmed) infection rate than most of the UK but already for a week the mountains are officially open again, I know in reality the Bavarians filled the mountains weeks before the lockdown was lifted, car parks were full of non local tourists and people feared a rise in cases, what happened? Nothing, case levels stayed the same. Mountain huts and cafes also remained open serving takeaway food.
When you know what the risk is you can manage it, the UK has no clue and/or abilty to manage that risk so probably has no choice but to be cautious. Boris and his buddies have a lot to answer for here, no amount of common sense will compensate for the mess they helped create.
Don't dare go anywhere where there's loads of space and people social distance naturally, instead let's all pile into a supermarket , picking up items that have been touched by who knows how many times, having your items scanned by a till person who's touched no end of unsanitised items , how many of you buy the first bit of fruit you touch . You don't . People already have committed suicide over lockdown , cancer patients not getting treated, other people will die because they are to scared to visit a hospital . Unemployment and poverty also cause death , take a look at the stats " plenty of them " The States will suffer greatly in this area.
Even the BBC on their website shows the data that if your under 65 years old you have more chance dying in a car crash .65.miilion people in the UK .
over reaction , scaremongering . Sweden are doing ok and how come Bangaldesh has a population of 150 million people, and it's a dense population yet there death rate is 250 ,,,,,that's right 250 , perhaps they are not doing this https://week.com/2020/04/20/idph-director-explains-how-covid-deaths-are-...
funny our the government and MSM omit these facts http://www.5gappeal.eu/scientists-and-doctors-warn-of-potential-serious-...
I
There was an opinion piece in the Grauniad last week, basically said how come its alright to queue outside Tesco to buy gin or outside B&Q to buy compost but not OK to go to an art gallery or museum...
So Xena, you are unconcerned about a lethal virus that is killing thousands of people, but you are spreading conspiracy theories about 5G? I think you've got your tinfoil hat too tight again.
600k people in India die of diarrhoea every year. We're not even at half that globally for this Chinese flu.
Odd how this is a global priority but basic hygiene in other countries doesn't warrant a penny. Imagine all the Covid money poured into something useful.
I live just a short spin south of the peak district. I can casually arrive at Leek in under an hour of cycling.
If I continue my spin in the peak district to have a look during the only time in my life, I will get to see it peaceful, (and the first time of getting to see it at all) then I will take the opportunity. I have no use for the local communities and so won't be going near them. I don't even plan to get off my bike until I reach an empty stretch of grass to stretch my legs and massage my sore arse.
But I welcome a morbidly obese motorist to tell me to go home because I am a hazard to the NHS and other peoples wellbeing. right after I remind them to put their phone away and obey the speed limit before they kill or hospitalise an unsuspecting pedestrian.
She added: “We look forward to seeing our visitors return when the time is right, for now our tourism businesses remain closed and Cumbria Tourism asks for everyone to continue to remain at home.”
Translation:
When we are allowed to open shops, cafés and B&Bs and take some money off you then we will welcome you back with your wallets open. But since at the moment it's just a case of bring your own sandwiches and enjoy it all for free, naff off - it's ours.
These areas are going to need to be careful about how this comes across to the rest of us. It's cemented my view that outsiders aren't welcome in Wales. There is no additional risk to a pensioner in Keswick of me walking up Skiddaw or riding over Honister. They're our national parks, not just those who are fortunate enough to live there. Seems odd government bodies such as LDNPA and Cumbria Police push so heavily against this advice. Whilst I don't support much this government has done they have decided this is safe or in the national interest.
Not at the moment. People visiting from outside the area are definitely not welcome when the government asks us all to stay at home and exercise locally.
Should people be travelling 150 miles to Carmarthen, which is almost in Pembrokeshire? What about the groups from Merseyside and even London travelling to Snowdon in cars being turned back by police? Or the second home owners having their luggage shipped separately to their cottage so that they don't look like tourists if stopped? Those actions make people defensive.
And it's not just beauty spots. We can't travel to visit tourist attractions in cities either so no trips to Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, London, Edinburgh or where. Even Shrewsbury relies on visitors and events like the annual Flower Show and Folk Festival that bring thousands to the town. You can't even visit any National Trust properties. Are the NT just being mean to 'outsiders'?
There are many people all over the country who would love to be open for business but at the moment it's not safe and it's not allowed. This applies everywhere and to everyone. You needn't take it as a personal snub.
If being in the countryside is so important to you then why not relocate there and try to make a living?
But the government (England - Wales is a different matter) specifically says the opposite:
"1.7 Are there restrictions on how far I can travel for my exercise or outdoor activity?
No. You can travel to outdoor open space irrespective of distance. You shouldn’t travel with someone from outside your household unless you can practise social distancing - for example by cycling. Leaving your home - the place you live - to stay at another home is not allowed."
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-wha...
In the grand scheme of things, maybe. But it's not just YOU.
If 1000 people turn up, all looking to walk over Skiddaw, what then? How do you all maintain 2m spacing while walking up and down already fragile fells? Just step off a bit to the side, start cutting them up even more?
There's no cafes, pubs etc open so you nip into the local corner shop to get some food. Problem is, there's another 999 people who want to do the same...
Many of the car parks and most of the facilites are closed, are you all going to just park your cars randomly along roads and lanes, potentially preventing emergency services getting through? I'm sure that YOU personally are a paragon of virtue and common sense and courtesy but I can absolutely guarantee you that a very significant % of the others won't be. Gateways blocked, tractors and emergency services unable to get through... When City Family Robinson all pitch up with their picnics and need the loo, are they all just going to crouch in the nearest wall?
Think of the bigger picture.
Well, if they close all the car parks don't be too surprised if driver's don't use them. I'm struggling to understand why car parks would be closed except to frustrate the will of people to use them.
As to the "what if 1000 people" argument, it's not an argument. It's just a question designed to yield your chosen answer.
Car parks have always been on the list of businesses that the public can use and hence be open.
Fair, happy with the argument it to save the fells but haven't seen that as the argument - it's been to save local communities. I'd definitely be doing routes we know that generally you'd only see a few people all day depends on the numbers that turn up. But agree the tourist path up Helyvyn or round Rydal would be a nightmare.
There's no accommodation open so that should reduce the numbers going up.
Get that cafes and pubs are closed, I know around here many are opening takeaway only. Maybe that would be a way to get some of the local economy going... but I'd have thought most would bring a packed lunch.
Parking again fair, if they open the NT and NP car parks anyone parked illegally gets tickets. Dangerously parked ones could be moved sure some farmers would be happy to help. Cumbria police have shown they have lots of resource to check this over the last few weeks by stopping most cars on the A6 at Ings
National Park Authorities aren't really govt bodies. Yes they're funded by them but most members are drawn from local councils and institutions. Six appointed centrally in the New Forest NPA for example
https://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/about-us/members/
Which brings in the usual issues affecting quangos and the fact that none are directly elected or even particularly accountable. Whilst the nonsense has died down here over cyclists using the New Forest back 5 years ago the NFNPA were incredibly hostile
Correct. I live an hours drive from the Lakes. I used to be up there walking most weekends, or I would take the bike up and have a ride. I very very rarely go now, it is just too busy and commercialised.
The car park in Ambleside is a rip off. If you want to park there to do the Fairfield horseshoe, it'll cost you around a tenner to park. Park up, pay your tenner, but if you want to use the car park toilets before you start your walk, that'll cost you more, you have to feed money into the slot before the bog barrier opens for you. Most lay-bys are either blocked off, or have a pay and display meter stuck there.
But the reason I don't go, is that it is just....too busy. Many routes on the fells are busier than high streets. Striding edge, for example, you have to queue to get over there, and so many walkers go up ill prepared. I walked the Coniston round a few winters ago, the hills were in full winter condition, I descended the Old Man with crampons, goggles, expedition mittons on, everything. I passed a couple going up, wax jackets, no rucksacks, no hat or gloves. And Green Wellies on!
The shops and businesses are happy to shaft you in the good times. remember that if they decide to open and are begging for your business
As long as public and private business toilets are shut I'm not going anywhere for a day out.
Even going 50 miles to coast will be a nightmare when little Johnny needs the bog.
Common sense is a wonderful thing... for politicians. If things go well, you can stroke the electorate's ego by saying it is thanks to their common sense, and they'll return the compliment by crediting you with the success. But if things go badly, you can act like a parent who gave their children a chance to be responsible and are now disappointed in them that they didn't step up. Plus, in the meantime, anyone who objects to your policies can be painted is either an elitist who doesn't trust the people, or a nanny-state authoritarian.