Police on the Isle of Wight have confirmed that Islanders should not be driving from their house to any location for exercise, to walk the dog or enjoy the scenery.
Many Islanders have been debating on social media whether or not this is acceptable under the Government’s lockdown rules.
Officers have sought clarification and have this morning (Saturday) confirmed that travelling in your vehicle for the purpose of exercise is not acceptable.
Islanders should be exercising locally to home. Any location that requires travelling to is simply too far and outside of the guidance issued, as reported by Island Echo yesterday.
Police say that as a rough rule of thumb – if you have to ask whether you should be doing something there’s a chance at this time that you probably shouldn’t.
Shame for the people who live on a main road and want to walk in the countryside or by the sea. I can’t see how driving to these locations, in a car, would spread the virus!
It is ashame but cars on the road unnecessarily can risk accidents or break downs. So best to walk locally for now anyway.
There is no evidence that it is airborne! Get facts right before you post it.
Definitely air born
In the air?
Me either, the virus is the same virus anywhere in this god forsaken world atm, ppl should use their brain and follow 2 m distancing and hand washing and protective wear rules. How about us who live in the middle of a town?
At the moment that’s not quite enough. Look at the other countries that tried this method and a large amount of the population died. To what’s been said, the virus is left in the air and on surfaces hours after the infected person has left. The lockdown needed to happen now before it got worse. People need to stop being so selfish and stay inside and local for a few weeks to save the lives of many people. It’s not just you personally that’s been affected it’s everybody from young ages to old. Only way to solve this pandemic is to listen and stop being ignorant.
Well said its a shame there is no vaccine for ignorance, stupidity or selfishness! There will be at least 2000 dead by the end of next week and I hope people will do as they are told in order that this at least figure does not gain higher ground.
Its predicate 20.000 dead
There is no evidence that it is airborne… it is spread through droplets when people cough, sneeze etc… hence the wash your hands and keep your distance.
If it was airborne everyone would have it.
That’s just spreading fear.
Well said
Droplets are airborne for a while, it depends on the size of the droplets,the smaller they are the longer they are airborne. Kids science really.
Because if everyone does it these places can become crowded and social distancing becomes more difficult. Plus if someone has an accident or breaks down they will need people to help them who will be put at risk and detract from coping with emergency situations. The beach and countryside will still be there in a few months but some of the people we know might not.
Agree with you Janet. I walk close by with my dogs, and since the new rules it’s teaming with people, some quite clearly flouting the rules .People walking in groups, kids playing football unattended, having to pass people on narrow footpaths who aren’t observing the 2 metre distance. I’d much prefer to get in my car and drive a short distance walking locally in fields where there’s very few people, and much easier to keep your distance.
It might if lots of people did it! Yes on the Isle of Wight there are plenty of places to go, but there are favourite haunts for many dog-walkers and families, which have the potential to get busy. Common sense should prevail but there can be a lot of uncommon sense at times.
It was there choice to live on a main road
Their…..if you are going to comment, at least have the decency to use the correct spelling. It just makes you look stupid if you don’t.
It doesn’t, it makes you look petty for commenting on grammar. The point made is the important piece not the academic education of the commenter. That said what a does make Ian appear stupid is his comment.
Because everyone else would and the places would be rammed.
Areas with large amounts of open space are far less likely to get “rammed” than town streets.
The arguments being made about people having accidents hold just as much for cyclists or even runners so should we be banning those activities too? My street has uneven pavements and many potholes so probably even walking is too risky.
The government has made sweeping directives that have to cover the whole country and work for big cities as well as rural communities.
Some common sense and flexibility has to used when applying the regulations if they are to be respected.
The purpose of the regulations is to keep people safe, if the way it is implemented leads to harm in other ways it has failed.
Frightening and threatening people into compliance is very poor practice and historically fraught with problems.
Rather than just annoying people with excessively harsh interpretation of the restrictions the police should be working with the island to make the best use of the resources we have and make our many open spaces available to as many people as possible.
Or we could just threaten everyone into compliance and make then take unnecessary risks by exercising close to home in town centres.
Couldn’t agree more Mark
If it’s that dangerous where you live stay in. The hospitals and health care facilities are really struggling and are putting there lives on the line. They don’t need any more clients. I have had more people running, walking and riding past my house than I have ever seen( except during the randomness in living there for 20 plus years. Please stay at home for those in the NHS
Same here Sue, so many, clearly unfit people suddenly need to be running! Why? they weren’t doing it before! Some pretty horrible sights too! Puce people in shorts!!
Because gyms are closed &
Got spare time.
Can’t walk your dog in the house tho
Very well put Mark
I agree annie. if 2 people have been staying isolated no risk and do live on a road,not by choice btw Ian!if they go too deserted spot the grass can’t spread it.yes people are still being selfish on going out where other people tend too go but for some its just too go too an empty field /path too exercise where hoards wont go.
Sarah how do you not live by a main road by choice? You pick the house you want to live in don’t you???
I suppose it would depend on what one can afford!
Not everyone chooses and owns their house. What about social housing?
Quite so long as you don’t leave the vehicle.
I have a family member in care who is very anxious at this time and a little car ride calms him down ….he doesn’t get out anywhere so why cant this still happen as long as you stay in the car…seems ridiculous when everyone is outside walking the dog and jogging at the same time
Can you back that statement up with evidence please.
so god forbid you either had an accident and needed help from the NHS or fire brigade or police that puts even more pressure on a stretched service, or your car broke down and you had to call a breakdown company you are putting them at risk, please stay safe and leave the car at home and Walk
Dogshit free beaches and we can’t use them.
So on the basis of Hampshire’s Finests ‘rough rule of thumb’; if you are asking yourself whether or not you should comply with their interpretation of the rules then they say that you probably shouldn’t……
Hmm.
Some people just will not listen and go out (maybe until they are fined). I drive around delivering then don’t go anywhere except shopping once a week, yesterday afternoon as an example at viewpoint car park 10 cars parked up, brading downs picnic time!! I know its hard but we have to follow these rules to get rid of this virus, it wont be like this forever so lets just do as we are told for now!!
I thought they’d closed car parks like that or is it not possible on that one? Surely they could put a barrier of sorts up?
It’s not rocket science is it nice sunny day what is everyone going to do I know let’s go for a walk down the beach come on people it’s not forever and it could just save a life that’s got to be more important than a walk along a beach because it’s sunny. If you have to go out for a walk then walk from home.
‘Officers have sought clarification’…
Who from?
The office cat?
The obvious thing is for the Chief Constable to contact the Home Office and get DETAILED clarification.
I foresee ‘local forces’ applying their own interpretation of the ‘rules’.
There have already been comments on social media about 3 Health Workers in the same vehicle being fined by a Police Officer (not locally I think), so the logical answers are:
1) As an individual don’t be an idiot and travel to a remote location for a walk.
2) PoliceForces need to have to get (and thereby implement) CLEAR instructions from Government. Local ‘interpretation’ is fraught with danger!!!
Exactly – can we get more information on this?
– Who did they get clarification from?
– what is their authority to issue that clarification?
– Why have the government not issued this clarification itself?
My thoughts exactly James – I managed to find out that this directive was put on the I.O.W. police Facebook page today (yes, 100’s of islanders don’t use Facebook) and I’ve copied and pasted it here:
“Good afternoon ladies and gents, just thought I would pop on part way through my shift to clarify what appears to be the most prominent question posed thus far:
Q) Can I travel from my house to a location to walk my dog, exercise, enjoy the scenery etc.
A) clarification has been sought and this is NOT acceptable. Please walk your dog or conduct your exercise locally to your home address. Any location that requires travelling to, is simply too far and outside of the guidance.
Please remember why these temporary restrictions are in place, and as a rough rule of thumb – if you have to ask whether you should be doing something there’s a chance at this time that you probably shouldn’t.
Stay safe, look after each other (from at least 2m ) and be kind. We are all going through this together, and with some co-operation it will make it more bearable for all of us. A/Sgt Jason 3820”
Having visited the gov.uk website, it states “take exercise locally where possible” nothing states not driving some where to exercise.
im not sure what the point of this discussion is, the old bill have said you cant drive anywhere to exercise a pet or a person, that’s all there is, I have a classic car, its not going to like being shut away for god knows how long but I will do it, its what we are told to do to save lives and the nhs, pointless bitching will get us nowhere
What! You have a classic car and it’s not going to like being shut away? How my heart bleeds for your predicament. Well maybe you can let it out in the garden if it starts scratching at the garage door!
The car does not like being locked away. I have a classic car and indeed it moans when locked away. These cars must be taken out no matter what. I push mine to and from the beach.
Agree, for heavens sake – just get on with it!!
The only cars that are on the road now are the low life drug dealers dropping off there merchandise…too the druggies!!!!
Makes it easier to catch them…
What about the NHS and other support workers? Do they not have cars then?
Well one may be cynical, and think that this forced stay at or near home rule, is more about protecting the well to do, the MP’s, council top people, and ilk, who live in large isolated homes deep in the countryside, with well stocked freezers and cellars.
Whilst there children and themselves keep ‘entertained’ via the cinema room, the hot tub, the pony paddock, the pool room and vast garden, the rest of us are forced to stay in tiny homes, hearing the neighbours arguing, and with an x box as entertainment.
Our gardens IF at all, are so small that we squeeze between the wheely bin and food waste bin, with only a strand of wire between us and the less than 2m away, pot smoking neighbours.
All we wanted was a break for an hour to see Spring lambs, blackthorn blossom, and blue seas and green downland.
Now apparently it is ‘safer’ for us to live cheek to jowl, with our neighbour rather than isolate in our car and see beauty.
Christ not a lot to ask we could all be dead very soon.
For God sake people stop and think. We have only one hospital on the island with limited intensive care beds. If you drive your car you are at risk of having an accident. You or your family may be seriously hurt and need the help of the ambulance service, A/e staff and God help you intensive care. Do you really think for the sake of walking your dog or looking at the countryside you want to put more pressure on these services or take up an intensive care bed that may well be needed by your loved ones. How much does it take to get it into people’s thick, selfish heads. If anyone else wants further Information i’ m quite happy to rant on !!!
Spot on
You may have an accident every time you go out but most people don’t.
You might just as well demand that we all turn off our gas and electricity, lock up all sharp objects and stick to the ground floor in case we fall.
As I said before, sensible, realistic guidance aimed at helping us to use the resources we have available safely is more likely to be supported in the long term and can lead to better outcomes.
Fear and misinformation, on the other hand, usually ends in pitchforks and flaming torches – metaphorical and sometimes physical too.
The freedom in this country and the liberal attitudes towards law breaking, means people find it almost impossible to obey any rules even when it’s to protect everyone, including them. Between the extremes of how this country is run and how rigidly the people are controlled in countries like North Korea, maybe we should be a little more like them right now.
We already are
Our dogs are rescues, we are working to train them hence the journey away from home!
The government are contradicting themselves, eg! = giving guidance to restaurants to help become take aways ?
Where’s the necessity of this in society, if corona or COVID 19 so prevalent, should we not be avoiding these amenities ?
No wonder so much confusion amongst joe bloggs!
Had to socially distance myself from 40 people on my local walk from home today.
But you can ride or run without any restrictions.
People keep saying that common sense should apply. Sadly there has been a lot lacking during this crisis throughout the country. When rules are made you have to make them for the lowest denominator to ensure the rules are followed. Even so people aren’t listening and potentially spreading this virus everywhere. With 2 confirmed deaths on the Island I hope people sit up and take notice. Let’s hope they are the only 2. My thoughts go the family and friends of all those who have lost someone.
Can I say how ill prepared our doctors and nurses are for this .My husband died on their isolation ward on the 18th march because they decided to shove him in a side room with no call bell or any kind of care . They were all to scared to put on masks,aprons and gloves . He had not seen a dr for over 24 hours. I could not get hold of the ward or speak to anyone about my husband’s condition so I went up there and insisted I saw him . I was confronted by my husband who was so breathless and hallucinating. He had a drip up giving him fluids but that was it .I had to find the dr who had no idea what was going on …within a few hours he was dead
Died of a cardiac arrest . He tested negative for covid19. There was something underlying going on but they missed it as they treated him like he had the plaque
.. so 4 years after losing my son by murder it looks like it has happened again by losing my wonderful husband at 59 from neglect. So yes stay safe
I can understand why the police are clamping down as I am a dog Walker there’s been a lot of people of all ages driving around on the roads. But the thing they should be clamping down on is a lock down on ferry’s for essential services only and stop all theses second home owners coming to the Island and possibly spreading the Virus as our NHS would not be able to cope !!!
Not everyone on the roads is out for a joy ride.
I am working from home but drove into work today to collect vital equipment I need for my job – I work for a company that is supplying equipment to the NHS and the equipment was needed to resolve a technical problem that was delaying despatch of the kits.
So yes, I think my journey today was essential (though the black looks I got from some of the people I passed probably weren’t.)
Been looking at the I.O.W. police Facebook page – (to keep up-to-date, act responsibly and use my common sense as a police officer told me on Facebook today) and under the message about ‘not driving to exercise’ there was this from a police officer – no wonder there is still confusion…
“people are going to have to use common sense and we will be using discretion. If there is no safe place for you to get your walk (if you need it) then people will have to drive to the nearest safe location. People have lost sight of what this guidance is in place for. It seems from my patrols today that everyone has decided to walk their dog, go for a walk or take up running. In my 18yrs of doing this job I have never seen so many people walking their dogs . These are a can do if necessary not a must do ”
This debate will surely continue until the Government and police get their act together – I know these are unprecedented and difficult times but we should expect more from professionals
South Africa announced a statement the other day , that no dogs will be walked. I don’t think anyone has died there yet from the virus. But they are clamping down hard fast, before it takes hold. Feel sorry for the dogs, but if their owners die after getting the virus, they will be worse off, i just hope there is some way to help the dogs that can’t get out. I hope some people won’t be cruel to the animals, it isn’t their fault after all.
You’ve never seen so many people walking their dogs because we usually drive somewhere quiet ie woodlands downs but now we have to walk the streets! Obviously really!
I have neighbours who go out several times a day in their car for some reason. I am worried that they will bring the virus to our close. Is there anything that I can do about it??
If there’s no good reason report them but check they’re not helping the vulnerable or key workers etc although several times a day seems excessive.
Perhaps if that’s the case, they should stop vehicles parking on the pavement so that disabled people can walk with there aids easier. Also remove all dustbins that are left out all week.
Pity they can’t allow a 2 mile tolerance so disabled people can be taken somewhere more suitable for them. Can police advise.
What if you are disabled or can’t walk up steep hill does this still apply.
The rules say you can go to a park for exercise in a park (this can only be done alone, or with people from the same household), and you can drive to do shopping in a supermarket so why can’t you drive to the country so long as you respect these rules? Obviously spending hours to get there is outside the terms.
In the past I’ve always driven the short distance from my house to a local woodland to exercise my dogs, and I rarely bump into anyone, especially so in the early days if coronavirus.
I’ve now started to walk my dog from my house, straight up the road and onto a footpath. I’ve come into contact with other people more times doing this than I ever did at the woods.
Exactly! to many people crammed into the local “open” spaces, in fact probably more than you see in the local supermarket.
If the Police are hell bent on stopping us using the car, they should be policing these over crowded areas, on foot if necessary.
It’s about keeping ourselves safe, and i would have thought avoiding people is the sensible option.
Exactly. We walk our dog everyday once each so we get our exercise and she gets two walks and as we can’t drive to usual spots that are empty we meet all sorts in a walk from home. Just seems daft when others have suddenly taken up cycling or running which can just as easily cause accidents etc. All we want is to carry out our usual daily exercise we’ve done every day for years without bumping into people that are out just because they are “allowed”
Does that mean – ‘except if you travel to your second home on the Isle of Wight’. Level playing field please!
So its ok to cycle a few miles away from home because its exercise (so many cyclists on the roads its dangerous) but driving self isolated in a car to a secluded area a few miles from home to be where no one is to take dogs for a walk is not ok? What a load of shit! If we cant drive a few miles from home then cyclists and joggers should be banned aswell
Well said
Whats also sad is that walkers are being moved off benches too. They’re being told that there’s a risk of people congregating around the bench ♀️
So you can go for a walk but you can’t take a breather – madness
It’s not allowed to drive to an area to exorcise, but look how many push bikes are about. You can be injured by being run down by a bike while walking along a pavement, on the esplanade, working in the house or garden. For people living with no pavements it’s safer to find a deserted space to exercise
Why is it so difficult? I have sat at home for a week so far and have not gone out the front door. I have a little garden that i sit in depending on weather. for excersie i have found an object resonsbly heavy to use as a weight to use as a dumbell and just to exercise at home. I live alone, i am a high risk patient.. The selfishness of people not respect ing the government rules will make it harder and longer for all of us. I have food delivered they leave by front door, I pay via paypal to stop exchange of money. Food, i wear gloves to pick up bags remove food and wipe down all packaging chuck gloves away and then wash my hands. Its not hard to stay indoors, NHS told me do not go out for 12 weeks. Just got to make changes to the way you do things. STAY AT HOME!
Every year dies 100 000 people from alcohol and around 1.000 000 bicouse of they don’t have food like in Africa and all of you are worried abaut 20000 dies bicouse of virus , wow more people dies from flue every year so stop spreading panic even online ….. It’s boring
Why do couples persist in walking two abreast so have to either walk into the road or scramble up onto banks some are considerate and fall back but most carry on regardless of the space next to them to pass by, likewise dog walkers stopping to throw balls etc walk your dogs by all means but be aware you are blocking people passing at a safe distance.
They can’t do anything though as driving for exercise is not against the ‘new’ law and exercising more than once a day also isn’t. These are wishes the government have proposed as part of keeping our distance. But can’t be enforced.
https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/mar/30/uk-police-guidelines-coronavirus-lockdown-enforcement-powers-following-criticism-lord-sumption
I am on crutches after a major operation.To walk my dogs near my home is a nightmare.i have to step into the road out the way as people will not move for me. Not much to ask for some people to have manners .
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