Dyfed Powys police are urging visitors to stay safe and to respect Wales as we face the first weekend since the lifting of the travel ban on Monday 6th July. This message has been aimed at people preparing for travel to mid and west Wales, asking them to be safe, sensible, and respectful.
It is now permissible for people to travel around Wales, and to cross the border into the country, and coupled with projections of fine weather, the police are expecting large numbers of visitors to travel to the Dyfed-Powys area.
Temporary Chief Inspector Andy Reed said: “We are very lucky to police beautiful areas across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys, which attract thousands of visitors every week over the summer months.
“With restrictions having been in place since March, we understand that people are now keen to venture further afield and enjoy the beaches, mountains and countryside they’ve missed, and are anticipating a busy weekend ahead.
“Our officers look forward to welcoming you, and will be here if you need any help, but we ask that you help us by being respectful of the areas you visit, and by planning your journey before you set off.”
For those travelling to areas they aren’t familiar with, police recommend prior planning, and to check traffic updates regularly online, listening to radio stations, and the expectation of having to amend their routes if necessary.
T/CI Reed said: “Many of the areas that are popular with tourists aren’t served by main roads, but by B roads that can become backlogged very quickly.
“Nobody wants to spend hours stuck in traffic when they could be enjoying a day out, and there are ways to avoid this.
“If you’re heading to the beach in Pembrokeshire, for example, don’t set your sights on one place. Make a list of beaches you could visit, and be prepared to change your plans if you hit traffic off the main road.
“If you’re planning a hike in the Brecon Beacons, take a look at a few different walking routes – there are plenty of options besides Pen y Fan, which frequently gets overrun on sunny weekends and can cause problems on the roads with high volumes of traffic and parked cars.”
Dyfed-Powys police has, over the past three months, implemented Operation Dovecote, which is an engagement, encouragement, education, and enforcement approach intended to ensure people follow restrictions. As restrictions gradually ease, officers are expected to take a different approach going forward, actively engaging with visitors, clamping down on antisocial behaviour, and working with other agencies to ensure tourist destinations are treated respectfully.
T/CI said: “Our officers will be out and about across the force, making sure everyone is staying safe and respectful. With that in mind, we ask that you be mindful of people who live in the areas you are visiting by acting responsibly – we will not tolerate antisocial or illegal behaviour that will impact on them or other tourists.
“Please park considerately, leave gates and property as you find them, be careful with barbecues and don’t light fires, keep dogs under control, and check what facilities will be open before you start your journey.
“We will be working closely with partners to protect beaches, countryside and waterways – you can help us by making sure you take all your rubbish and belongings with you, and leaving no trace of your visit.”
If you need to report an incident while visiting the Dyfed-Powys area, you can use one of the following options:
Online: bit.ly/DPPReportOnline
Email: contactcentre@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk
Call: 101
If you are Deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.
Always call 999 in an emergency
