Trafford Council is to step up police patrols against people who are continuing to “flout” the social distancing rules.
The council said that with the weather improving and the Easter bank holiday approaching, it was concerned that a “minority” of people were not heeding the government’s advice.
It called on people to report any examples of social distancing guidelines not being observed, such as groups congregating in public spaces, by calling 0161 912 3434 or emailing safer.communities@trafford.gov.uk.
And Trafford said that “in serious cases, where the wider community may be put at risk”, police will have the powers to issue fines, and the council would be able to issue community protection notices.
Council officers are encouraging people who use the borough’s parks and open spaces to follow the new guidance which is as follows:
- Only go outside for food, health reasons, exercise or work (if you cannot work from home)
- Limit outdoor exercise to once per day
- If you go out, stay two metres (6ft) away from other people at all times
- Do not meet people from outside your household, even friends or family
Cllr Mike Freeman, Executive Member for Public Safety Governance and Reform, said: “Social distancing puts restrictions on all our lives and is a big change to what we are used to, but it’s clear that the better the guidelines are followed, the quicker we can reduce the spread of covid-19, and the sooner we should be able to return to normality.
“The vast majority of residents in Trafford have done an excellent job in keeping their trips outside the home to an absolute minimum, and our officers on patrol will help to maintain this and encourage compliance by anyone not yet aware of social distancing requirements.”
