Police Scotland's most senior Highland officer urges residents and visitors not to behave recklessly when travel in Sutherland now Covid-19 lockdown restrictions are easing
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POLICE have pleaded with the public to "park responsibly" and visit Sutherland beauty spots "safely" as lockdown travel restrictions ease.
As of today (Friday) people will be able to travel within Scotland on day trips – heralding the return of visitors to the region for the first time in months.
And, while many will do so responsibly, Highland figures are worried of a repeat of the scenes last summer – when a record-breaking number of staycationers travelled to the north as people snubbed international travel amid widespread global pandemic disruption.
Incidents of littering, the dumping of chemical toilets by roadsides, overflowing car parks and vehicles abandoned on busy roadsides – sometimes blocking access for residents or emergency crews – were just some of the problems reported at Highland sites everywhere from Caithness in the north to Lochaber in the south.
And Chief Superintendent Conrad Trickett, who is the divisional commander for the Highlands and Islands, has urged people to stick to Covid rules and also travel responsibly when venturing into the region's beauty spots – amid concerns that last year's problems might repeat in 2021.
He also warned that police will not hesitate to fine those who abuse their new-found travel freedom.
“We are going to see increased traffic on our roads and if you are visiting beauty spots then I would urge you to please do so safely and respectfully – leaving no trace of your visit," he said. "Please also park responsibly to allow emergency access."
He continued: “I would like to thank the vast majority of people who are sticking to the rules to suppress the spread of coronavirus.
“The sacrifices people have made have allowed some further restrictions around travel and gatherings to be eased from Friday.
“I would also remind people that under the new restrictions, gatherings are limited to six people from six households meeting outdoors only.
"Our approach throughout the pandemic has been to engage with the public, explain the legislation and encourage compliance, but we will not hesitate to use our enforcement powers as a last resort.
“This approach will continue as restrictions continue to be eased over the coming months.”
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