Leeds group fined for flouting lockdown rules and travelling 70 miles to Whitby

The group of three adults and one child were stopped by police in Whitby on Saturday.

They could not provide a reasonable explanation for travelling to the seaside town and said they were just going 'for a drive'.

North Yorkshire Police officer Mark Patterson tweeted: "This definitely isn't an essential journey and they were required to return immediately.

"Each adult was fined for breach of the Covid-19 regulations."

Guidance issued to police forces from the National Police Chiefs Council has been made public and shows advice for officers when interpreting lockdown laws and enforcing them.

What counts as reasonable reasons to go outside for exercise?

- Going for a run or cycle or practicing yoga. Walking in the countryside or in cities. Attending an allotment.

- Driving to countryside and walking (where far more time is spent walking than driving).

- Stopping to rest or to eat lunch while on a long walk.

- Exercising more than once per day - the only relevant consideration is whether repeated exercise on the same day can be considered a ‘reasonable excuse’ for leaving home.

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