There does need to be more specific guidance on this. This kind of thing also happened in the first lockdown but was clarified by Hancock to say that your "local area" meant within 3 miles of your home. (It might have been 5 miles as this is from memory). The reason was to enable those living in crowded suburban environments to travel to parks and other open spaces to exercise safely and in more conducive places.

I live in a village where there are more cyclists and walkers (many with dogs) than cars. Nevertheless to get to somewhere where my own dog can safely be let off his lead and allowed to really stretch his legs is a mile and a half away. This is on public land which was previously mined but is now part woodland, heather banks, old mine terraces and tailing lagoons. It is much quieter than even my quiet village where I will pass people who invariably want to chat. Which is great but also not so wise at the moment.

So I am driving to that area every day for my exercise. In the past I have often gone further to the cliff paths and beaches. Much as I would like to I am not doing so now.

Our local Police Chief has urged people to behave responsibly, not to travel unnecessarily but to determine what that means in their own circumstances.

I agree with the Derbyshire Police that driving any kind of distance to beauty spots isn't acceptable but is what I am doing OK this time? I think it is responsible behaviour.

Our local Police are also using number recognition technology to turn back those they find are travelling into the area without sufficient reason. We had a scramble of people from the cities trying to come to their second homes or rent on holiday parks during the first lockdown, which caused quite a big problem here. It's quite understandable that they would try but also quite dangerous.

For the avoidance of doubt any comments in response to a previous post are directed to its ideas and not at any, or all, posters personally.

If it fell within what Hancock said is irrelevant really. Tbh why did they need to be at that place. Why not walk around local areas; I mean its walking.....
You dont have to have a view of trees and fields to walk. Some people are just arrogant and these two are! Your situation is slightly different but the more trips you make the more chances you take. The dog might have to suck it up every now and then for your self protection wissie.

I felt sorry for those 2 women and the police are now backtracking. I live in leafy Beckenham but I have walked every inch and frankly would love a change of scenery, our parks are also crowded.

Okay I have to suck it up but what if you lived in an inner city crime estate.

"just going for a walk dear thought I would go via the urine smelling underpass then right where the junkies shoot up straight on dodging the skateboarders and trick cyclists and kids with the electric scooters."

"Don't forget to take some cash for the muggers".

One more point

I see Mayor Khan is virtue signalling again by declaring a "major incident". So what good is that?

In the US if a governor does that there is a specific purpose it is a legal move that it triggers the release of funds and even allows for the call up of the National Guard amongst other things.

We know we are in a crisis so thank you for pointing that out Mr Mayor oh and buy the way weren't you the one telling transport police to go lightly on people not wearing masks on the tube etc.

So what powers do you have to act? Are you offering to help the NHS, ambulance staff err no but you do want more money from the government.

Please god we have the mayoral elections this year.

One more point

I was 'over the moon' to receive the Pfizer jab in December. But my 2nd jab on Jan 4th was cancelled as the government wanted to give more people a first dose. My 2nd jab will not be now until March.

On the face of it a sensible decision UNTIL I discovered that Pfizer have not trialled a 12 week gap between doses and both the WHO and FDA have stated that the 2nd dose should not be given later than 6 weeks.

It is possible I have become an uninvited 'guinea-pig' with my protection not guaranteed beyond the end of January.

Man and boy Palace since my first game in 1948 sitting on my dad's shoulders

I have thought about that and recognise it as the only possible downside. If I breakdown I am not so far from home as not to be able to walk back, which I had to last year when I dropped my keys on the walk and it got too dark to find them. (I retrieved them the next day when a kind person found them, put them in a plastic bag and tied that to a post near where I park.)

I still think on balance its a wise move. I could just as easily have an accident while on foot in the narrow lanes in the village.

For the avoidance of doubt any comments in response to a previous post are directed to its ideas and not at any, or all, posters personally.