Britons Cautiously Enjoy New Freedom

Britons headed for the great outdoors yesterday as they began to cautiously adapt to the loosening of lockdown rules.

- Jon Austin and David Williamson

Plenty took advantages of newfound freedoms but an anticipated rush failed to materialise, as a poll showed many people have been so spooked by the pandemic they are too scared to go out.

A stampede of 15 million day trippers was predicted but traffic was up by just three per cent, as many stayed at home despite some lockdown restrictions being lifted.

The AA said in a statement: “Despite a heavy temptation to travel to beaches and day out favourites, Brits have decided to stay at home today.

“Over the last few weeks, many have walked and cycled locally and discovered hideaways and treasures they may never knew existed, so may have chosen to stay local.”

So-called “coronaphobia” saw people make shorter journeys within 10 miles of their homes, or just stay in the garden.

Research by Redfield and Wilton Strategies showed that only one in five people would be confident returning to more normal activities by June.