Concerns about 'increase in traffic' into North Wales as weather warms up despite lockdown
There have been reports of an increase in traffic into North Wales as the weather warms up despite lockdown rules, the North Wales Mountain Rescue Association have said.
With the start of Easter holidays, the volunteers who provide the Mountain Rescue service said they are extremely concerned.
It said there is a 'considerable increase' in traffic, leaving the crew worried about the rise of additional calls for assistance which will increase the risk of exposure of members to COVID-19.
Chris Lloyd, from the Mountain Rescue Association urged people to ''stay away''.
North Wales Police were out patrolling the area for those who were going against lockdown guidelines.
Public paths and land in several popular areas across Wales have been closed to avoid crowds gathering. However, the majority of paths are still open, and on Friday, the Welsh Government urged people to exercise responsibly and adhere to rules.
Councils and police forces across the country also echoed pleas to remain at home as warm weather is forecast this weekend.
However, Plaid Cymru Leader, Adam Price, called on the Welsh Government to implement emergency legislation to impose a full travel ban into Wales without an official permit or valid reason, ahead of the Easter weekend.
He said his party representatives were being ''inundated'' with reports of people arriving at their second homes and holiday lets in north and west Wales, causing a swell in the local population and putting further pressure on already exhausted public services.
It comes two weeks after beauty spots across Wales saw an ''unprecedented rise'' in visitors despite pleas to stay at home to stop the spread of coronavirus.The following Monday, saw the UK Government issue a three-week lockdown. The guidance states you can only leave your home to shop for essentials, health reasons such as medication, or for work if you cannot work from home.
New legislation also came into force which allows police forces across the country to fine or arrest those who ignore lockdown rules.Elsewhere, like in Cardiff, people seemed to have adhered to lockdown rules. South Wales Police thanks those who remained at home.