Southsea Pier and beach in the early morning.

Portsmouth Council use drones to monitor beach footfall during lockdown

Portsmouth City Council have revealed that they have employed the use of drones to monitor footfall on the region’s beaches.

The drone footage, which the Council hasn’t shared, reportedly shows thousands of people on the beach front, with many congregating around coffee shops and takeaways, something which is allowed within the rules.

The Council concedes that while you are allowed to go out with members of your household for exercise, however people are being advised to not travel specifically for exercise, particularly to beauty spots such as parks or beaches.

Council leader, Gerald Vernon-Jackson, said:

“There is a growing concern about how things are operating on the seafront.

“We hired a drone to get some footage at the weekend, so we can see what the numbers are actually like.

“When I have been out, people have been gathering around in groups at takeaways – so we have to make sure that’s not happening, without hindering businesses in the process.”

The Council is considering what action to take to discourage people from gathering at the beach front as the region reported another 1,292 cases in the past week.

Benches will be removed from near a particularly busy Coffee Shop to prevent loitering in the area, the Council is also considering the use of wardens in the area to break up large crowds.

PSE December/January 2024

PSE December/January 2024

Northumberland’s climate change resource is empowering the next generation

Dive into our latest edition for December/January. Discover insightful articles on climate change, innovation in nuclear decommissioning, fostering collaboration, and more.

 

Videos...

View all videos
#PSE365: Public Sector Events

Be A Part Of It!

PSE365: Public Sector Virtual Events

PSE has created a full calendar of events to address the most important issues that influence the delivery of public sector services. 

 

Over 365 days you’ll have the opportunity to hear from a range of highly motivating, informative and inspirational speakers. These speakers will equip you with knowledge and unique insight to enable you to overcome the challenges that you face.

 

See our full events calendar and register now! 

Public Sector Executive Podcast

Ep. 46
Loyalty, Covid pressures, and crucial transport connections
Tom Riordan

In 2020, most of the world stopped. People were forced to stay at home and many people were furloughed. This episode's guest, however, was thrown into the forefront of the government's response to to the Covid-19 pandemic, leading the tracing system and working alongside local and central government bodies.

Host Dan Benn is joined by Tom Riordan, Chief Executive of Leeds City Council, to discuss loyalty, the pressures of Covid-19, and the importance of transport to a city like Leeds.

More articles...

View all