Can you drive to do exercise during lockdown?

However, until we get further clarification from the Prime Minister on Sunday, we've got to comply with the current restrictions. So what are the rules on 'non-essential travel'?
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Can you drive to take exercise?

There are no rules banning anybody from driving their car during this time.

But under the Government's lockdown rules, you can only get in the car for the following reasons:

• shopping for basic necessities, as infrequently as possible
• one form of exercise a day -  (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 absolutely necessary and this cannot be done from home

The Government has clarified that you should "stay local" for your daily hour of exercise and the exercise needs to be longer than the journey.

The updated guidelines state that anyone exercising outside their home during the lockdown should “not travel unnecessarily”.

People should not be "driving for a prolonged period with only brief exercise".

That's expected to change as soon as May 11, with sunbathing in the park, picnics and driving to the countryside all be on the cards as part of the Government's first stage to ease lockdown measures.

Could you be fined?

You can be fined if you are driving far outside your local vicinity for exercise, as it is not listed as "essential travel".

If you cannot provide the police with a valid travel reason, you could be issued with a £60 spot fine, reduced to £30 if paid within two weeks.

The fine will double to £120 for a second offence.

Road blocks have also been set up in Plymouth, Devon, and in Cornwall, while across the country police have started using checkpoints to stop vehicles and ask drivers if their journey is essential.

1

Can you go to the park?

Some local councils closed parks and other public spaces when thousands of people turned out to enjoy the rare sunshine.

Check your local council website to see whether parks remain open in your area during the pandemic.

The Government guidelines state: "Parks will remain open only for individuals and households to exercise once a day.

However, Mr Jenrick has since revised the rules, saying: "For the health of the nation, people should be able to enjoy safely, fresh air and green space, and for the health of the nation, people must abide by social distancing rules and not congregate in groups in those parks."

How long will the lockdown last?

The length of the lockdown will depend on how the UK responds to the measures.

If coronavirus cases and deaths drop, the lockdown measures could be lifted when next reviewed.

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