Police ask public to avoid Peterborough rowing lake due to overcrowding

Cambridgeshire police said social distancing was being carried out by the public, but that sheer numbers had forced rangers to close the car park.

This in turn was leading to the public parking in places where they should not be, including on double yellow lines.

A Facebook message from police read: "A polite request from us about use of the boating lake in Thorpe Meadows…

"With the nice weather this weekend we have seen a big increase of people using this area for exercise. While this has been legitimate and we have not experienced issues of people breaking the current guidelines, the sheer volume of visitors is unmanageable which has forced the rangers to close the car park.

"This has meant we are seeing people park in other areas which are not for public parking such as private business car parks, in residential areas and on double yellow lines.

"We ask that you utilise other green spaces close by, particularly if you are having to drive to this area – please find somewhere closer to home if possible to ease the pressure.

"Thank you to everyone who has engaged with us in such a positive manner, we hope you understand why we are having to ask you to make use of other green spaces during this time."