More time spent in North Yorkshire’s parks as lockdown continued

The tech giant’s latest report shows people across the UK were venturing out to parks, beaches and other public areas much more – with footfall around a quarter higher than normal levels.

Google uses location data from phones and other personal devices to track trends in people’s movement in the home, retail and recreation establishments, grocery stores and pharmacies, public transport hubs, workplaces, and parks and green spaces.

The report shows an increase in activity within North Yorkshire’s parks during the week to May 9, compared to the week before – suggesting people are hanging out in public green spaces more regularly, or for longer periods of time.

Over the seven days, time spent in parks was 20% lower than during a five-week baseline period at the start of the year.

The week before, it had been 34% lower than usual levels.

The data suggests that the population in North Yorkshire are staying away from green spaces more successfully than in other locations across the UK.

The Government recently relaxed its lockdown advice in England, changing its messaging to “stay alert, control the virus, save lives” – though Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland kept the original “stay at home” messaging.

It came more than seven weeks after the Prime Minister imposed the lockdown on March 23.

Health experts expressed concern that the new slogan lacked clarity and may lead to an increase in “risky behaviour” from the public.

Local authorities are encouraging people to stay away from beaches and beauty spots.

In North Yorkshire:

○ Visits to public transport hubs were 54% down on usual levels

○ Shopping centres and food outlets saw 75% less traffic than normal

○ Workplaces were 59% quieter than usual

○ Food shops and pharmacies saw 27% less traffic

○ People spent 21% more time at home than usual