May 22, 2020 5.29 pm This story is over 46 months old

Traffic levels return to pre-lockdown days amid warm weather

People seem to be social distancing though
Traffic stock picture.

Traffic in Lincolnshire returned to pre-lockdown levels for the first time since March 21 on Thursday, officials have confirmed.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer and Deputy chairman of Lincolnshire Resilience Forum Mark Baxter could not give exact numbers, but confirmed that Thursday, which was recorded as the hottest day of the year so far, had been very busy.

“We’re getting into realms where the traffic was at the same levels as March 21 before we went into lockdown, so we are seeing an increase in traffic  and general activity across the county.

“It is anticipated because we know it’s the first bank holiday weekend coming up and the hottest day of the year so far, and particularly in the period when the restriction levels have been relaxed slightly.”

He said much of it was due to people travelling for leisure but that vehicles also included those returning to work.

Hundreds of people have been travelling to the coast and other hotspots, despite East Lindsey District Council saying visitors were not welcome.

Mr Baxter added that this continued to mean public facilities like toilets may not be open.

He confirmed that yesterday police attended 71 Covid-related incidents, including 10 reports of large gatherings and 56 people not complying with social distancing reports.

However, he said no new fixed penalty notices had been issued because people had responded to police engagement.