Police were called to disperse traffic at a Fife beauty spot over the weekend after scores of motorists ignored the lockdown, causing tailbacks and gridlock on country lanes.
The approach road to Falkland Hill was completely impassable after motorists abandoned their vehicles on grass verges and inlets normally used to allow cars to pass safely.
Conditions were further hampered due to the route being partly covered in ice, forcing many to stop away from the car park for fear of getting stranded.
The problem became so bad that police officers were called to East Lomond car park on Sunday afternoon to disperse visitors when the approach road was left completely blocked.
One onlooker said the road been turned into an “impromptu car park” while another described the situation as “carnage”.
News of the gridlock resulted in many taking to social media to complain about the those seemingly disregarding the Scottish Government’s lockdown message to stay at home.
Evelyn Sinclair Loughlin said: “People are just selfish putting themselves and more importantly others at risk because of their close proximity to each other.”
Meanwhile Kellie Munro wrote: “It does make me a bit mad seen as I’ve not left my house not once since Christmas as I’m high risk and terrified if catching this new strain as I already have had Covid-19 and trust me it was horrendous.
“Maybe some of these people would think twice if they themselves caught it. I know what the rules say but common sense should prevail.”
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The drastic increase of people resulted in Falkland Estate being forced to temporarily close its car park facilities for six days in May in a desperate bid to reduce the number of out-of-the-area visitors flocking to the historic village, normally one of Fife’s most popular attractions.
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A spokesperson for Police Scotland, said: “We received a call at around 3.20pm on Sunday, January 24 after police were made aware of a number of vehicles at a car park near to Falkland hill, blocking the road.
“Officers attended and provided advice and guidance to motorists
“We are not aware of any fixed penalty notices being issued.”
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