A message from the National Police Chiefs Council this week, advising that it was ’ok’ to drive a short distance from home, seemed to contradict the guidance from Government that people should only be setting out from their houses on foot or by bike to do exercise.
But our local Police force has made its position clear in an update on its website and social media.
It reads:
Devon & Cornwall Police is not changing advice on travelling.
Government advice remains the same, and it is expressly to prevent the spread of coronavirus, to save lives, and to protect the NHS. It includes the following:
Only go outside for essential food, health reasons or work (but only if you cannot work from home)
If you go out, stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people at all times
Do not meet others, even friends or family. You can spread the virus even if you don’t have symptoms.
’There has been much discussion around what the legislation does and doesn’t specifically prohibit,’ said a Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson.
’ The legal aspects of the legislation are based upon whether a person’s actions are reasonable or not. Officers will continue to make individual judgements based on the specific circumstances presented to them.
’The key to making this work for everyone in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, and across the country, is for everyone to be reasonable. If you can exercise with a run or a walk near your home, it is reasonable for you to do so. Our interpretation is that it is not reasonable, for the majority, to drive miles to a specific place such as a beauty spot.
’It is also not within the spirit of what we are trying to achieve if you drive from Devon to the coast of Cornwall for surfing, regardless of whether that is “lawful” or not.’
Devon and Cornwall Police said it had not yet had to use any enforcement and that it would only go down this route as a last resort.
’We are grateful that our communities understand what we are all trying to achieve together and are supporting us with this. Officers will continue to use discretion and police with consent.
’We enjoy the relationship we have with our communities and will continue to engage with people we meet, to provide reassurance and education at this challenging time.’