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Lockdown: Warning as fine issued for 'Aber Falls family walk'


January 12, 2021 - 907 views

North Wales Police have set out their position regarding the enforcement of lockdown rules following a local newspaper report yesterday.

Yesterday an article was published in which “A shocked mum said she was made to feel like a criminal after being “ambushed” by police and slapped with a fine at a Snowdonia beauty spot.”

Having travelled from Colwyn Bay, the article alleges that “She was stopped by an “unsympathetic” WPC as she led her two children down from Aber Falls, Abergwyngregyn, after a family walk on Saturday afternoon.”

The unnamed mother also stated that “when speaking to the police officer, I wasn’t able to ask questions or explain my position. I was just given a fine.”

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Nigel Harrison said: "In relation to the story around us issuing fines to people near Aber Falls who had travelled there to exercise from Colwyn Bay (a round trip of 30 miles), to be really clear, I have asked officers and staff to target those that who do not comply with the regulations.

"It is not acceptable to pick and choose the law you follow and the laws you don’t. Now is not the time to head up into the mountains or to enjoy scenic drives in the countryside.

"You must start and finish your exercise from the place where you live with very limited exceptions. Everyone knows there are regulations, so I offer no apology to anyone who is fined for not complying, and putting our community at risk. Nobody should be travelling unless absolutely essential.

"We will continue to enforce the regulations with absolute commitment at this time of very high infection rates. I am grateful for the hard work of my colleagues in the current environment, and also for the support of vast majority of the public."

He concluded: "It is up to us all to do the right thing. People should not think of ways of circumventing the law and the police should not be needed to reinforce common sense.

"Policing will continue to do our bit, but everyone else needs to do theirs. Unless it is lawful to leave the place where you are living, please stay at home."