Dorset Council’s latest news release is a message to visitors: “Thinking of visiting Dorset now? Please think twice”
in the statement, Dorset Council say that car parks across Dorset will stay closed at visitor destinations including beaches and country parks. Public toilets will also remain closed. Some council-run car parks in towns and villages have remained open but now parking charges have been introduced.
This follows the latest guidance from the UK government regarding the gradual easing of lockdown. Whilst the government advice continues to be stay at home, people can now travel to outdoor spaces, regardless of distance, providing social distancing is practiced. However, Councillors and many local residents are concerned about the potential impact this will have on spreading the virus and increasing the infection rate.
Dorset Council’s leader, Cllr Spencer Flower said:
“Our overriding priority is the safety and well-being of Dorset residents. We want to discourage people from outside the county and from areas with a higher rate of infection than Dorset from visiting our beaches and beauty spots, and inadvertently spreading the virus to local people.
“We are working closely with our partners, including Dorset Police, to monitor and review the situation. We will adapt our approach when the situation changes.”
You can read the full news statement here.