Google data shows surge of people visiting parks across Portsmouth as lockdown measures eased
FOOTFALL at parks and beaches has skyrocketed way beyond pre-lockdown levels, according to Google mobility data.
The search engine firm is using aggregated, anonymised data from apps such as Google Maps to show the change in activity across the UK.
Its reports show the types of places people are visiting, ranging from retail and recreation sites to parks and open spaces.
At the start of lockdown, visits to open spaces dropped by 46 per cent compared to movements registered by Google in February.
But the latest report – which charts the six weeks up to May 16 – shows a 54 per cent increase in footfall in comparison with the data collected at the start of the year.
It comes as politicians across Portsmouth urged residents to be responsible when enjoying the sunny weather outside last week.
Residents slammed the ‘Benidorm-like’ crowds that have been congregating across Southsea Common, the Hot Walls, and the surrounding areas.
Asked about the most recent Google data, deputy leader at Portsmouth City Council, Councillor Steve Pitt, said: ‘If you go somewhere that feels too busy, do not stay.
‘Do go out and have exercise, but behave responsibly.
‘People should know by now that that congregating in large groups puts themselves and others at risk.’
The increase in people enjoying parks and beaches follows the government easing some lockdown restrictions on May 10.
This removed the limit on outdoor exercise and allowed people to drive to parks and beaches.
Visitor numbers in these areas have remained low as residents adhered to the government’s rule of staying at home, with an 18 per cent decline in the six weeks to April 11.
All figures are compared against a five-week period between January 3 and February 6 to establish a normal baseline.
The most recent report also shows an increase in people visiting shops and retail spaces – with footfall down 78 per cent compared to an 86 per cent decline in the previous report.