Brits were told last night they can sunbathe in the park, play unlimited sports and have day trips in the car from Wednesday, in tweaks of the restrictions.
However, even the rules before that were becoming impossible to police, senior chiefs told The Times.
John Apter, chairman of the Police Federation, said that some members of the public had acted as though the lockdown was over, and there was “extreme pressure” on his frontline police officers.
“Police officers will continue to do their best, but their work must be based on crystal-clear guidance, not loose rules that are left open to interpretation, because that will be grossly unfair on officers whose job is already challenging,” he said.
One chief constable told the paper that mixed messages had resulted in a huge increase in the number of people in parks and on the streets.
He added: “The briefings about freedom totally burst the dam. It was irresponsible.”
Last week Boris had hinted there would be some “easement” of the lockdown rules from Monday – but hadn’t said specifically what that would be.
Over the bank holiday weekend Brits flocked to parks and other open spaces for their exercise – but others took the opportunity to sunbathe, drink and enjoy picnics.
And many people took the chance to celebrate VE Day on Friday with street parties – many of which didn’t appear to be properly distanced.
One resulted in a conga line outside in the street where people were not two metres away.
Police were left struggling on Saturday as hordes of people descended on beaches and green spaces to enjoy the balmy continental weather.
In the capital, people flocked to parks to drink wine and eat pizza.
Hackney Police tweeted: “Sadly we’re fighting a losing battle in the parks today.
“Literally hundreds of people sitting having pizza, beers, wines.
“As always a big thank you to those that are observing the guidelines #StayHomeSaveLives #ProtectOurNHS #lockdownuk”.
The Force in Lewisham also slammed Londoners failing to social distance over the weekend.
They tweeted: “You may feel like you’re #SocialDistancing but you’re really not.
“Putting each other at risk is really not what we need. 30-40 in the street drinking and dancing is not on.”
Devon and Cornwall police said that it dealt with 1,023 incidents in 24 hours, the large majority of which were reports of lockdown breaches.
More than a hundred fines were issued at Durdle Door, a coastal beauty spot in Dorset, where motorists had travelled from as far away as Ipswitch.
Day trippers also flocked to the Lake District and to Southend, in defiance of the lockdown rules.
Brits have so far been told to avoid any non-essential travel.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.hellofaread.com/politics/piers-morgan-savages-clueless-mp-andrew-bridgen-after-dominic-raab-refuses-to-go-on-gmb/
