North Wales Police have sent home several tourists who had travelled to Snowdonia from as far away as Bolton and the West Midlands. Visitors from Rhyl, Llangollen and Wrexham were also sent home.

 

A four level alert system was introduced in Wales on 20 December 20, with the whole of Wales in Tier 4, only ‘essential travel’ is allowed, with incoming and outgoing travel between England and Wales is being prohibited.

A statement from North Wales Police on social media said: “We have been conducting high vis patrols in our tourist hot spot areas and are aware that a large number of people have been visiting places such as Snowdonia over recent days.

“This is not essential travel.

“Wales is currently in Level 4 and the Welsh Government restrictions state that exercise should start and finish at your home – you should not be driving to these places, no matter how tempting.

“We know it’s difficult, but we urge you all to do everything you can to help prevent the spread of #Covid19.

“We are engaging and educating and where necessary will enforce restrictions. The majority of those spoken to today were compliant and understanding.

“Our patrols will continue, however please be mindful and understand that we are doing our best under difficult circumstances. Policing has not stopped and we cannot be everywhere.

“It’s up to all of us to do the right thing.”

Travel rules within a Tier 4 area

  • If you live in a Tier 4 area, you must not leave your home unless you have a reasonable excuse (for example, for work or education purposes). If you need to travel you should stay local – meaning avoiding travelling outside of your village, town or the part of a city where you live.
  • The main message of the Tier 4 restrictions is simple – stay at home.
  • It’s essentially a complete ban on non-essential travel – and residents of these areas are told only to travel in and out of their local area for very specific, legally permitted reasons.
  • People also should reduce the number of journeys you make overall. The list of reasons you can leave your home and area include, but are not limited to:
  • Work, where you cannot work from home
  • Accessing education and for caring responsibilities
  • Visiting those in your support bubble – or your childcare bubble for childcare
  • Visiting hospital, GP and other medical appointments or visits where you have had an accident or are concerned about your health
  • Buying goods or services from premises that are open in Tier 4 areas, including essential retail, but these should be within your local area wherever possible
  • Outdoor recreation or exercise. This should be done locally wherever possible, but you can travel a short distance within your Tier 4 area to do so if necessary (for example, to access an open space)
  • Attending the care and exercise of an animal, or veterinary services

North Wales Police Roads Policing Unit Tweeted: “People have been advised, sent home and reported for summons (visitors from Rhyl, Llangollen, Wrexham, Bolton and West Mids).”