Council to close coastal car parks to encourage people to stay at home

North Tyneside Council has announced plans to restrict access to some car parks along the coast, as part of an effort to encourage people to stay at home and help to limit the spread of coronavirus.

Large crowds are still visiting coastal areas and parks despite the country being in lockdown.

As a result, the authority is closing nine car parks from Saturday to support social distancing and to discourage people from travelling to the coast.

Wendy Burke, Director of Public Health at North Tyneside Council, said: “Britain is now in lockdown. The message for all our residents is the same as across the country – stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives.

“Most residents have done what has been asked of them by central Government, and for that we thank them. However, some people have continued to go about their lives as if nothing has changed and that is not responsible given the challenges we face.

“We appreciate that our coastal car parks are extremely popular with people who enjoy our award-winning coastline, especially when the weather is fine, but this is an essential step to ensure appropriate social distancing and slow down the spread of the virus.

“These measures are in everyone’s best interests and will ultimately help to save lives.”

The new measures are backed by Northumbria Police.

Chief Superintendent Janice Hutton said: “We hope and expect people will want to support the measures which are in place to ultimately help keep us all safe.

“While the Government is allowing once daily exercise, people should not be travelling away from their home to carry this out – which includes making trips to beaches and parks – as they are putting themselves and others at risk.

“We have already been giving guidance to members of the public on our daily patrols to remind them of the restrictions.”

The car parks being closed are at Beaconsfield, Tynemouth; Brierdene, Whitley Bay; Dukes Walk, Whitley Bay; Grand Parade, Tynemouth; Mini Golf, Whitley Bay; Priors Haven, Tynemouth; Spanish Battery, Tynemouth; Spanish City, Whitley Bay; St Mary’s Lighthouse, Whitley Bay.