Paignton seafront shut off to traffic to prevent people breaching Covid-19 guidelines and driving to the beach
A Devon seafront has been shut off to traffic to prevent people driving to the seaside in breach of the Government's coronavirus guidelines.
Paignton promenade is being locked with gates, bollards, barriers androad closure signs because police report that too many people are still driving there.
Police had been patrolling the area and telling cars to leave but some drivers were seen returning to the promenade as soon as officers disappeared.
In response, Torbay Council has announced it is locking theEastern Esplanade, which runs along the sea wall from theRedcliffe Hotel to Paignton Harbour.
The council said the decision to close the road to vehicles was madein partnership with Devon and Cornwall Police.
The council announced: "Parking Services have been on site todayinstalling bollards, barriers and road closure signs to stop allvehicles parking in the area. Gates at either end of the esplanadewill be locked once the last vehicle leaves the area."
Cllr Mike Morey, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Environment and Culture for Torbay Council, said: “Despite government guidelines aboutnot travelling to conduct daily exercise, the Eastern Esplanadecontinues to be a problem.
"We know local police officers have been giving advice to thoseparking in the area, yet despite this they return as soon as officersleave. In order to prevent the spread of the virus, it is importanteveryone adheres to the guidelines."