Public continue to flout lockdown rules by driving 'substantial distances' to East Lothian beaches

Police in East Lothian say “several” people continued to flout coronavirus lockdown measures at the weekend by driving “substantial distances” to beaches in the area.

Extra officers on quad bikes, police horses and motorcycles have been patrolling various beauty spots in the region since Saturday in a bid to clamp down on the issue.

But a statement released this morning by East Lothian police on social media, said: “East Lothian community police officers conducted high visibility patrols on the quad bikes throughout the county over the weekend.

“They visited various beaches and countryside locations where they engaged with the public and noted that most people were adhering to the social distancing guidelines.

Police on quad bikes patrolled various beaches and countryside spots across East Lothian over the weekend.

“However, several persons were spoken to who had unfortunately travelled substantial distances to our beaches.”

The UK and Scottish Governments have clearly stated that people should only leave home for essential reasons such as getting food and medical care and exercising once a day. When outside, people should maintain a social distance of two metres with anyone they don’t live with.

The Scottish Government’s national clinical director, professor Jason Leitch, has also stressed that exercise should last up to an hour and be carried out indoors or close to home

Professor Leitch also urged people not to drive for leisure and only use the car if it is unavoidable.

Last Thursday, police in East Lothian said they were aware of people travelling from further afield and from outside the region to visit beauty spots.

Officers said they were dealing with the issue and did not need people to phone them to report such incidents.

Police also urged people to stay at home and only visit parks and beaches if they are within walking distance from home, and said they would be deploying extra officers on quad bikes, police horses, motorcycles, bicycles and on foot over the weekend and throughout this week.

Police were unable to provide details on how many people were spoken to about driving to beaches in East Lothian at the weekend..