Level 4 Query

[rsvp]

Afternoon all and hope you are keeping safe and well. I have googled, searched, asked and been on government websites but am unable to get a definite answer as to what 'remain in your local area when exercising' means - there doesn't seem to be a definite mileage limit if indeed I am allowed to drive to walk or must I only do it by leaving from home on foot. Very grateful for any help, thank you

[Mamyalynne]

It appears to be an undefined distance and Police are being told to be sensible about it ( we shall see ) - to me it means don't go further than to have to.

For example don't drive past three parks because you favour a river bank walk 5 miles away.

[pastafreak]

There have been numerous discussions on here recently, and it varies from "use your common sense", to "only covidiots, the stupid, and those who don't give a toss would even stick their heads out their front door". Best to call or email local authority. You may or may not be in one where a take out coffee is a picnic.

[dannyk13]

I would guess that it means an area that you can walk in to exercise.But I may be wrong.

[rsvp]

thank you both - that's about the conclusion I'd come to - does seem a /bit airy fairy though but will carry on walking out from my front door only.

[rsvp]

I get that Danny thank you - but there's no defined guidelines.

[Mamyalynne]

I have no back door, so that's my only option.

[New Judge]

Have a look towards the end of this thread:

https://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/News/Question1735583.html

Police in Derbyshire imposed fixed penalties on two women who had driven - separately - to take a walk together. The penalties have been "reviewed" and fresh guidance issued as there is no distance constraints on taking exercise and you can drive to a place away from your home to begin it.

The legislation discussed applies to England. You mention "Level 4" which does not apply in England. Are you in another part of the UK?

[dannyk13]

rsvp //- but there's no defined guidelines.//
I agree, I suppose that the powers that be are leaving it up to people using their nous.

[Mamyalynne]

Phew.

[Sunk]

It is as usually a very mixed and confusing message.

The guidance does not forbid driving to take some exercise. It does not specify a distance you can go.

New clarification issued today however says if a police officer tells you to go home, even if you are lawfully exercising, and you do not instantly comply and go home, then you will be fined £200.

[New Judge]

//I suppose that the powers that be are leaving it up to people using their nous.//

Yes it seems they are, Danny (which is the best thing all round). Unfortunately members of the Derbyshire County Constabulary thought differently and they were rightly pulled up over it (but may not have been had the two ladies in question been a little less robust).

[Sunk]

NJ, Senior moment?

// You mention "Level 4" which does not apply in England //

Most of the UK are in Tier 4, which I assume is what the poster meant.

[ubasses]

Sunday Express today: The National Police Chief's Council said there was no restriction on the distance travelled for exercise.

[dannyk13]

Sunk, all the Uk at the moment is in lockdown.

[dannyk13]

//The National Police Chief's Council said there was no restriction on the distance travelled for exercise.//
That is hardly in keeping with sticking to your 'local area'

[rsvp]

Thank you for the clarification New Judge which is basically saying use your own judgement and if you are caught out, providing you return home immediately you won't be fined as you are not breaking the law.
Thank you for all the responses and stay well.

[New Judge]

//New clarification issued today however says if a police officer tells you to go home, even if you are lawfully exercising, and you do not instantly comply and go home, then you will be fined £200.//

Not if he gives you an unlawful instruction, you won't.

[rsvp]

Blimey....the plot thickens!

[Sunk]

// New guidance from the National Police Chiefs' Council, titled "Tier 4 National Lockdown", has been issued to all chief constables, the Sunday Telegraph reported.
The  instructions suggest officers could be quicker to fine people, with a Home Office insider telling the paper: "We are going to see more rapid movement to enforcement.

The new guidance, issued to all forces on Jan 6, warns: "Officers should continue to engage members of the public and explain changes. If necessary they should offer encouragement to comply.

"However if the individual or group does not respond appropriately, then enforcement can follow without repeated attempts to encourage people to comply with the law. //

All very good. But the problem is people being fined while fully complying with the guidance. Just telling the police officer that you haven’t broken any rules is enough to get you fined £200.

[Stickybottle]

Follow the simple rules they’ve been using:
Exercise should start and finish at home because you don’t need to drive anywhere to take exercise.