Godshill car park has been almost totally empty for the last three weeks as we all try to do our bit to help control the spread of the dreaded virus. However, according to the Island Echo, the Crown Prosecution Service, in conjunction with the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the College of Policing, has issued a clear explainer on what constitutes a reasonable excuse to leave your home during lockdown. As a result driving in order to take exercise is permitted
Within the guidance it says:
Exercise
Exercise can come in many forms, including walks. Exercise must involve some movement, but it is acceptable for a person to stop for a break in exercise. However, a very short period of ‘exercise’ to excuse a long period of inactivity may mean that the person is not engaged in ‘exercise’ but in fact something else.
It is lawful to drive for exercise.
Likely to be reasonable
- Going for a run, cycle, practising yoga, walking in the countryside or in cities, or attending to an allotment
- Driving to the countryside and walking (where far more time is spent walking than driving)
- Stopping to rest or to eat lunch whilst on a long walk
- Exercising more than once per day (consideration as to whether repeated exercise on the same day can be considered a ‘reasonable excuse’ for leaving home)
Not likely to be reasonable
- Driving for a prolonged period with only brief exercise
- A short walk to a park bench, when the person remains seated for a much longer period
CLICK/TAP for the full guidance in the Island Echo