Freedom of movement

We should be allowed to use our cars to drive short distances. Where I live I cannot safely walk and keep 2 metres distance as there is only one path which is approx 1 metre wide. This path is on a busy road, the only road into Dunoon and there is no path on the other side of the road. Within four to five minute drive I can walk in forest roads which give me safe social distancing.

Why the contribution is important

It is important for my health and well being to be able to enjoy the great outdoors as I am a fit healthy over 70, whose holidays always include hiking in Cairngorms and the highlands

by pollyshorts6 on May 05, 2020 at 04:36PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.4
Based on: 46 votes

Comments

  • Posted by ljk84 May 05, 2020 at 16:39

    100% agree with the point raised

  • Posted by FL May 05, 2020 at 16:42

    Totally agree - there are many of us stuck in places where we can not safely go and walk each day (and often have no outdoor space like a garden either, so not being able to walk safely makes us unable to exercise or get out in daylight which itself is important for health). The current restriction is excessive and counterproductive and will, indeed is, having serious physical and mental health impacts already. We need less purist and more pragmatic thinking - am very disappointed that this is lacking in the current judgement.

  • Posted by Phoebe20 May 05, 2020 at 16:43

    Driving within households would be safe but needs to ensure that crowds don’t end up in popular areas to detriment of locals . Maybe a 5 mile radius should be acceptable

  • Posted by JaneL May 05, 2020 at 16:47

    If ti safe to do so, we must be allowed to leave home for exercise if we believe that we do not compromise social distancing. I read somewhere that as a rule of thumb, if the exercise taken is longer than the drive there then that is acceptable.

  • Posted by PB0307 May 05, 2020 at 16:50

    I sympathise with this and agree to some extent, but there need to be limits on how far you can drive. We live in the countryside (Scottish Borders) near a nature reserve and have already seen lots of people driving here from surrounding towns and cities to take their exercise - parking up in our quiet residential street, which in my view is just not acceptable, and poses a risk to our (mostly elderly) community.

  • Posted by Hannahmabob May 05, 2020 at 16:52

    Yes I totally agree with this idea. In England they are allowed to drive short distances for Exercise. So long as social distancing is observed. Please follow suit Scotland.

  • Posted by ColinR May 05, 2020 at 16:55

    Distance driven is not an important factor, but the environment and specific location where parking on arrival should be carefully considered by the traveller, and maybe clear guidance issued, then occassional travel ( any distance) in cars allowed.

  • Posted by pollyshorts6 May 05, 2020 at 16:56

    I am not asking for us to be able to drive long distances, max 10 minutes or so as some people otherwise have no options for exercise. I live in a small estate of 114 homes and was shouted at for walking on the pavement. Out with our estate is s busy road with 1 metre path on one side of road only!

  • Posted by MrsC May 05, 2020 at 17:04

    The problem I see is that people are still not sticking to the social distancing and when allowed to gather in parks, beauty spots etc they seem to think it is a green light to allow them to bbq and meet up with friends. Since the good weather I have noticed an increase in traffic and groups (not from the same household) of people getting together.

  • Posted by Jane May 05, 2020 at 17:07

    This could be a pragmatic solution. I do recognise the challenge of people travelling to certain areas as I live near Loch Lomond also we don’t want to be adding to police workload.

  • Posted by lindyloo May 05, 2020 at 17:13

    Totally agree. I really feel for people who live in cities where the only exercise you will get is from pounding the pavements with cars going past. Green space is so important for everyone's mental health.

  • Posted by Layla15 May 05, 2020 at 17:41

    I am worried we won’t be able to have social contact for very long period of time with our daughters families and grandchild as they live in different towns from us, as there is consideration when safe to do so to allow close family to have contact will there be consideration given to some families needing to travel to see their loved ones, obviously not on a frequent basis

  • Posted by Louisasneezer May 05, 2020 at 17:54

    I live in a town that is blessed with a few lovely walks on the doorstep. Naturally, now that everyone has been instructed not to drive for exercise and forced to have only one lot of exercise per day, these normally peaceful walking routes are hugely congested which makes the likelihood of coming into contact with people much higher than if someone is permitted to drive a short distance to a less populated walking track. It is especially difficult for dog owners who may not feel comfortable having their dog off lead around a lot of other people (because of temperamental recall) but need to ensure their dogs are getting sufficient exercise.

  • Posted by Llynn May 05, 2020 at 18:13

    I agree ...there are many walks around my local area accessed by a short 5-10 minute drive where social distancing is more possible than walking along local streets and narrow foot paths.

  • Posted by GJTorrie May 05, 2020 at 20:44

    I agree that some of us are blessed by having pleasant walking routes nearby where others do not and this seems unfair but how do we stop the whole of Glasgow driving to Loch Lomond?

  • Posted by Free May 06, 2020 at 23:26

    Agree with most comments, system like England seems far more sensible and will spread people out. I live in a semi rural environment in the Highlands and would be happy for others to come here respecting social distancing to help with mental and physical health. I live by the sea and the car parks are shut which does not effect me, but upsets me that others cannot drive here to use the wide open spaces. Scotland is a big rural place and we should use the land an the fact that there are only 5million people who live here to better affect. We need to learn to live with this virus in a respectful way. As adults we have to learn to live with things (like alcohol) that is also damaging to our health. Please scottish government help us learn to live with this rather than creating a culture of fear which is leading to a vigilantism and abusing others. I have never seen so much abuse and judgemental behaviour. I know there are some great acts of kindness, but this lockdown is creating some real negative behaviours. Now the hospitals are not overwhelmed we need to start easing lockdown and keep social distancing.

  • Posted by Cowden May 07, 2020 at 10:56

    in total agreement, what part of essential journey do people not get, just leave your house and go for a walk

  • Posted by PhillDrolls May 08, 2020 at 16:42

    Agree 100% - the health risks must be miniscule. Some people out in the sticks just don't like visitors and the lockdown has given them an excuse to vent their spite.
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