Car parks closed at all Wakefield parks to discourage travel during UK lockdown

Though the parks will remain open for access on foot, Acting Chief Executive Andrew Balchin said he hoped the move would encourage people to follow government guidance around social distancing.

He said: “Based on the Government’s measures and advice from West Yorkshire Police, people should not be travelling by car to parks. To help discourage people from doing this, the car parks will be shut at the end of today.

“It is essential that we all follow the Government measures, and seize this opportunity to help save lives. We ask everyone for their support to adhere to the car park closures.

“The park sites will remain open so people can still access on foot but we urge everyone to still maintain the social distancing we all need to follow. Please don’t put yourselves and others at risk. Social distancing will save lives.”

It comes after the leader of the council said they would close country parks if people continued to flout the rules, following reports that an ice cream van had been seen doing business at Pugneys Country Park last week.

Councillor Denise Jeffery said: “We are now in a situation that we have never before experienced.

“Our normal behaviour simply cannot continue. I understand that it can be hard to accept, but we must. The lives of everyone in this district rely on us following the stay at home and social distancing measures.

“Please do not underestimate the dreadful impact of ignoring them.”

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