POLICE are warning people that they aren't allowed to drive somewhere to exercise or walk the dog under the Covid-19 restrictions.

Officers have tweeted that they are seeing people with dogs and bicycles in their car rather than exercising locally.

And Bradford Council have reported that they are also getting reports of people driving to beauty spots such as the Cow and Calf Rocks for picnics and to meet up with friends in groups.

The Council says the message is clear - avoid all unnecessary journeys and Stay At Home. If people do not have a garden or access to outside space they should go as far as nearest park or greenspace, not venture further afield.

PCSO Gillian Seed, of North Yorkshire Police tweeted: "We are still seeing vehicles on the road with bikes attached in the countryside.

"When spoken to they are under the impression that this comes under daily exercise.

"NO. If you want to exercise with your bike stay in your home town please.

"Do not travel to places."

Earlier this week Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick urged police to be proactive in enforcing new rules to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

"Yes, I think they should do," he said when asked on BBC Breakfast.

"It's clearly an operational decision for the police but the rules are there to protect everyone.

"A minority, as ever, are flouting the rules and it's right that police try to move those people on, get them to comply, and protect the rest of society."

The Coronavirus Bill recently passed by Parliament give police powers to fine anyone breaching the regulations and to detain anyone showing symptoms of having Covid-19.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park said in a statement: "It is also important to stress that people should not be making special journeys to access them. Travel to exercise is NOT essential travel and people should not be travelling to do their daily exercise."

Public Health England says stay at home to help save lives:

▪️ Only go out when absolutely necessary for food, medicine, work or exercise

▪️ Always stay 2 metres apart

▪️ Do not meet others outside your household, even friends and family