SURREY County Council has defended its decision to close the car parks to its commons and heaths such as Rodborough Common and Crooksbury Hill near Farnham.

The council closed all its countryside estate car parks on Tuesday, March 24, but walkers hit back on social media, questioning if that was the right decision. 

One dog walker posted on Twitter to say: “Closing the car parks for Surrey countryside parks will force people into closer contact in the places that remain open or accessible and this will not help our fight against COVID-19 and reduce the number of infections and deaths. 

“I believe it would be a much better decision to post signs around your car parks reminding walkers to observe social distancing and keep two metres from other individuals they may meet during their walk.”

The government has advised people not to drive to places to exercise, and to stay local where possible. Some police forces have also warned against driving to places for exercise.

Barriers have been installed to close the entrances to the countryside car parks and people are asked to not park on verges. 

A council spokesman said: “After the countryside was extremely busy over the weekend of March 21 and 22, the council decided it needed to close its car parks to discourage people from gathering there. This is in line with government advice, and consistent with other major countryside landowners as we all try to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

“While people can still visit the countryside, we would advise residents going out for their daily exercise to visit quiet locations close to their homes and not travel.”

Charges brought in at the car parks were due to end yesterday after a backlash from residents and walkers.