Scarborough Council closes all its car parks as visitors reminded to stay away at Easter

Scarborough Council has moved to close all of its car parks to ensure there is no temptation for anyone to take unnecessary trips into Scarborough, Whitby of Filey.

The local police force has also reminded people that they should only be leaving the house for essential reasons while the Covid-19 lockdown measures remain in place.

During the first days of social distancing pictures of a busy Scarborough seafront went viral and the borough council is hoping to avoid any repeat for the Easter bank holiday.

A spokesman said: “All our car parks are closed until further notice, except for use by permit holders and essential key workers.

“Our staff are still patrolling to ensure that no one parks in the car parks that isn’t authorised to be there.”

Scarborough Police, in a Facebook post, also warned residents of the towns and villages that they should remain at home whenever possible.

It said: “We have been pleased to see visitors heeding advice and not travelling to enjoy our coastal towns, but we are still seeing large numbers of local residents out and about too frequently.”

Scarborough and Whitby MP Robert Goodwill has also been in contact with police over concerns about what could happen at the weekend.

He said: “Concerns have been raised with me about holidaymakers visiting Scarborough and Whitby over the past week and the upcoming Easter weekend.

“Coming to the coast is not essential travel and visitors must not make the journey.

“I am speaking to North Yorkshire Police about this matter and will also discuss what can be done to identify and stop potential holidaymakers.

“The weather is improving but I remind constituents that they should only leave their home for very limited purposes.”

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