[ad_1]
Police have been detaining visitors trying to “enjoy the snow” in the Brecon Beacons after hundreds of vehicles hit the national park despite Wales being locked up.
A man drove nearly 200 miles from Hertfordshire to walk to Pen-y-Fan, while a mixed-household minibus had traveled to the area from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, according to Dyfed-Powys police.
Officers issued notices of flat fines for some violations, although many people listened to the advice and returned home after seeing police in the area, a spokesperson said.
A the national lockdown went into effect across Wales on December 20.
Brecon Beacons in Wales is a tourist hotspot
Under the Alert Level 4 restrictions, only essential travel is allowed for people such as caregiving or work responsibilities.
People can buy food and exercise, but they should only do it alone or with a member of their household or bubble for support.
Inspector Andrew Williams of the Dyfed-Powys Police Specialized Operations Team said: “We are conducting high visibility patrols at Storey Arms and interacting with people to remind them of their responsibilities to adhere to the Welsh government lockdown restrictions.
“There are a couple hundred vehicles in the area.”
He added: “Officers have spoken with a man who had driven from Hertfordshire to go up to Pen-y-Fan, while a mixed-household minibus had traveled from Cheltenham.
“Fixed penalty notices have been and will be issued for those blatant breaches where compromise fails, but the vast majority of people are listening to advice and when RPU vehicles appear and see on the site, they turn around and they go home, which is the goal of our high visibility patrols. “
Powys County Council said Wales was “not open” for visitors to travel from other parts of the UK unless for essential reasons.
Councilman Graham Breeze said he was “shocked” to witness large numbers of people heading to the Brecon Beacons to “enjoy the snow.”
He added: “We all know that getting out of the house is good for mental health, but follow the rules and stay close to home.
“We are at alert level 4 for a reason, because there has been a huge increase in COVID-19 cases that is affecting all parts of Wales.
He said the increasing number of visitors is “putting enormous pressure” on Wales’ health and social services, while putting the vulnerable at risk.
