Police crackdown on sun-seekers flouting lockdown with seaside checkpoints

Lockdown checkpoints have been set up by police to catch Brits heading to parks and beaches for some sun.

Thousands of Brits ignored the Government’s ongoing instructions to stay at home this weekend as the mercury tipped over 13C in England for the first time this year.

Monday, March 1, marks the first day of meteorological Spring but warmer weather came a few days early in many areas and people aimed to make the most of the seasonal shift.

Not everyone however got away with it, as police were seen across the country, stopping pedestrians and pulling over motorists to ask if they left home for an essential reason.

South Wales Police captioned a photo of officers on horseback: “We’ve received numerous reports of crowds of people at beaches and other beauty spots across South Wales.

“Please remember that Welsh Government restrictions state that exercise should start and finish at your home – you shouldn’t be driving to these places.

“We are working alongside local councils to close some car parks, and will be stopping cars to check whether the journey is essential.

“Please understand that we are doing our best.

“However, we can’t be everywhere all of the time. It’s up to us all to do the right thing.”

Brighton was another town where the authorities were out to bust lockdown flouters on Sunday, February 28, as community support officers and Covid marshals were pictured dispersing groups sitting on the beach.

Brighton and Hove Police tweeted on Sunday afternoon: “High-vis patrol along the seafront and green spaces today. Even though it’s lovely that the sun is out, please remember to adhere to the current Covid-19 regulations.”

Across the south coast in Portsmouth, Hampshire, police were seen speaking to a family trying to catch some rays on the beach.

Over in Bournemouth, a sea of cars were parked beside the beach up on the clifftop as masses flocked for a sandy stroll.

On Saturday, February 27, Brits ignored restrictions as they gathered at parks and beaches on Saturday to bask in some much-missed sunshine.

Photographs from the afternoon at popular sea side destinations, Brighton and Southend-on-Sea show crowds walking and sitting down close together on February 27, despite the Government’s “stay at home” order.

The warmer weather of 15C in some areas was too much to resist for many after Professor Jonathan Van-Tam’s warning at a No10 press conference that lockdown could be extended if people “relax” too much.