BRITS are being urged to stay away from tourist hotspots this Easter weekend despite the soaring temperatures, as people continue to defy the lockdown rules.
A number of glamping sites and holiday cottages are also still operating despite the crackdown on non-essential travel.
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According to the Times, residents in Cornwall have reported 650 holiday lets and second homeowners to local authorities in just five days as people flout the ban and even travel during the night.
Cornwall council confirmed that a number of Airbnb properties, two glamping sites, guest houses, a campsite, and a holiday cottage letting agency were among those still breaking the rules.
Rob Nolan, from the council, said: “We have been following up all complaints over the weekend and continue to do so today to protect our communities and protect our NHS resources.”
The Highlands and Islands MSP John Finnie MSP raised concerns about similar problems in Scotland: “We do know that some irresponsible individuals have continued to travel to second homes and that unbelievably properties are still being advertised on sites like Airbnb. “
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Cumbria MP Tim Farron said it “beggared belief” that holiday lets were still taking bookings, adding he had seen “outrageous examples of holiday-let owners actively encouraging people to travel”.
The current rules put in place by the government mandate only essential travel, which is for food or medicine, or for helping those who are vulnerable.
Exercising is also allowed, although many have been seen to defy the rules by running in large groups or to sunbathe instead.
Police have warned that anyone caught travelling further than necessary, be it to the coast, national parks or other tourist hotpots, will be stopped by police.
They can also issue £60 fines on the spot, and arrest anyone who refuses to give their details.
Repeat offenders could be fined up to £960 if they are caught breaking the rules on a number of occasions.
AA president Edmund King confirmed that journeys should be limited: “Transport ministers have made it very clear cars should only be used for essential journeys and this applies as much to Easter as it has in the last couple of weeks.”
Chief Constable Nick Adderley of Northamptonshire Police said police will be ramping up checks and could mean enforcing road blocks or shopping stops.
He warned: “These are not guidelines anymore. This is the law.
“We’ve had examples of people sunbathing in the park, having barbecues in the park, we’ve had large gatherings of family members. To those people, I am saying ‘your time is up’.”
Thousands of Brits have been spotted ignoring the rules in recent weeks, flocking to parks and beaches despite warnings that stricter lockdown rules could come into force.
Brockwell Park in London has been forced to close after 3,000 people were stopped.
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