Police ban driving anywhere to walk your dog or exercise

Police in the West Country say they are cracking down on people who are driving to a location in order to walk their pets or exercise.

Officers across the region have been seen stopping drivers in a bid to enforce lockdown restrictions.

The rules from the Government, which came into force on Monday (March 23), state you may only leave your home for four reasons:

  • shopping for basic necessities, as infrequently as possible

  • one form of exercise a day - for example a run, walk, or cycle - alone or with members of your household

  • any medical need, to provide care or to help a vulnerable person

  • travelling to and from work, but only where this is absolutely necessary and cannot be done from home

Exercise must be done at home, according to the new rules. Credit: PA

Now police are making it clear that exercise has to be done from your home - you are not allowed to drive to another location to either exercise or walk your dog.

Avon and Somerset Police have been handing out information after stopping drivers at popular dog-walking spots.

It is unclear whether local authority rules regarding beach bans for dogs - which typically come into force in May - will be changed to facilitate the new restrictions.

For the latest updates on coronavirus in the West Country, including case numbers, event cancellations and venue closures, click here.

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