PSNI say travelling to beaches and parks this weekend may be legal but may also be ill-judged

The authorities have been accused of leaving “scope for confusion” as the police continue to press the public not to visit beautyspots like parks and beaches, despite the easing of lockdown restrictions by politicians.
Snapshot of the PSNI Facebook pageSnapshot of the PSNI Facebook page
Snapshot of the PSNI Facebook page

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd yesterday said police patrols will be beefed up “around beauty spots, resorts and transport hubs” at the weekend.

However, as has been pointed out many times before, the police have no actual powers under the law to force the general public not to travel to such places.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Last Sunday the PSNI had faced some criticism after setting up diversions to deter people from travelling to places like Portrush. And yesterday ACC Todd (pictured) said “we would encourage people not to drive to local beauty spots or popular destinations for daily exercise as others may have the same idea and social distancing may not be achievable”.

Jim Allister, MLA for North Antrim (where many popular beauty spots are) said: “I question the police taking it upon themselves to go further than the regulations. I note they use words like ‘advice’. They have no powers to stop people from going to local beauty spots.

“I think that the zealotry with which they initially sought to police the regulations has undermined confidence in the policing approach, and I think they need to be careful with how they approach these matters... I think there’s scope for confusion, and confusion isn’t a good recipe for anything.”

Michelle O’Neill had said one week ago: “To people that are asking: ‘Can I travel a distance to meet people outdoors whilst observing social distancing?’ Yes you can.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The changes to the restrictions mean up to six people who aren’t members of the same household can meet outdoors while observing social distancing.”

However, she advised people to limit their journeys and to avoid places where large numbers of people gather.

The PSNI Causeway Coast and Glens Facebook account last night showed a picture of a busy car park in Portrush, with the message: “It’s crowded beyond belief with people who have zero ability to socially distance. We understand that the sun is out and shining but please do not flock to natural beauty spots or beaches where social distancing isn’t an option!”

Some people online concurred, whilst others took the PSNI to task.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A user called Elizabeth Mary said in response to the police: “I’m on the East Strand; yes there are other families here, but no-one, I repeat no-one, is anywhere near anyone else. You can now go and meet with groups of friends from outside your own household... Nanny state isn’t required.”

User Ryan Dodds commented: “Sure there’s no law to say you’re not allowed... so if people wanna take a spin to the port with the kids for a walk then that’s what they will do until stated otherwise by law.”

The law (officially The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (NI) 2020) originally said on March 28 that gatherings of more than two people were banned, but that people can leave home to “exercise either alone or with members of their household”.

It did not specifically bar people from getting in a car and driving somewhere to do this (though it did not specifically permit it, either).

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It was updated on May 19 to say people can leave home “to take part in an outdoor gathering consisting of up to six people who aren’t members of the same household – or any number of members of the same household.”

It does not specifically order people to keep two metres apart (though that remains the government advice). In fact, the only place where the two-metre rule appears legally enforceable is at funerals.

The News Letter put it to the PSNI that there is scope for confusion on what people are allowed to do in law.

It responded: “Our message is clear: we urge everyone to adhere to the health protection regulations and follow the advice of our public health partners and the Government about social distancing...

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It is entirely responsible and proper for police to re-enforce important public health messages in advising what behaviour, whilst legal, may yet be ill-judged.

“To illustrate the point, this is analogous to our guidance that you should never drink and drive, notwithstanding that there are proscribed legal limits over which it becomes illegal to do so.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Ireland and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Alistair Bushe

Editor