PEOPLE are once again being told to stay away from the Brecon Beacons amid fears of a rush over the bank holiday weekend.

Lockdown restrictions in Wales are stricter than those in England, and anyone who travels over the border to exercise can be fined by police.

National parks across Wales have called for continued patience and urge people not to ignore Welsh Government regulations and attempt to access popular hot spots this weekend, which they say will put rural communities at greater risk.

The Park Authorities are reminding all UK residents to remember that Wales is still in lockdown with only essential travel permitted, therefore people are unable to drive to visit any of the Welsh National Parks.

RELATED NEWS:

Gareth Ratcliffe, chair of the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority who represents an area bordering with England in Powys, said: "The difference between regulations in England and Wales has presented local challenges.

"Our communities are working hard to look after each other and we are grateful to all those following the rules for Wales and keeping our fragile rural communities safe."

Owain Wyn, chair of Snowdonia National Park, added: "We understand that people are missing the Welsh National Parks and may be tempted to come here but please do not.

It is a critical time for our communities and health services here in north Wales as we are only now reaching the peak of Covid-19 cases.

"We look forward to welcoming you back when it is safe, safe for you and safe for our communities"

It comes as the maximum fine for repeated breaches of the coronavirus lockdown rules in Wales rose from £120 to £1,920 today, with the plans laid out by First Minister Mark Drakeford on Wednesday.

The increased fines are being introduced ahead of the bank holiday weekend and they follow a request from the four police forces in Wales and the Police and Crime Commissioners for increased penalties to help deter people from repeatedly breaching the stay-at-home regulations.

Evidence from the four police forces show a small minority of people are breaking the coronavirus regulations, particularly by travelling to well-known beauty spots throughout Wales, even though they have been closed since the end of March.

The new fines per number of offences are as follows:

  • First offence: £60
  • Second offence: £120
  • Third offence: £240
  • Fourth offence: £480
  • Fifth offence: £960
  • Sixth offence (and any subsequent): £1,920