Rural crime officers issue plea as hundreds visit High Peak moors in snowy weather

The whole of Derbyshire was placed under Tier 4 restrictions by the Government on December 31, with a new “stay at home” message introduced across the county.

Despite tougher measures being in place, the Derbyshire Rural Crime Team said “upwards of 200 cars” were spotted at the Snake Pass summit on Saturday, January 2 – even though a Met Office yellow ‘be alert’ weather warning had been issued for snow and ice.

Posting on Facebook, officers said: “This is being typed from our office whilst most of the team is out in our few available vehicles.

“It’s been snowing most of the afternoon, just as forecast. It’s the middle of winter, and Bleaklow and Kinder are the highest points in Derbyshire.

“We are in the throes of a pandemic placing restrictions on all our recreational activities.

“Upwards of 200 cars were parked on Snake Pass summit early this afternoon; busier than a summer bank holiday, but with the main difference being the large white things dropping out of the sky. Presumably, the occupants of these vehicles were out on the moors.

"It seems like many didn’t have the common sense to check the forecast, dress themselves suitably, check they had a capable vehicle and/or driving skills, never mind the fact that they perhaps shouldn’t have been stretching the advice given by the government so as not to overburden our NHS.

“Never mind, though. Just ring the police and expect them to come along with their magical snowmobiles. Of course, with our superpowers we can simultaneously deal with similar situations in the Goyt Valley, Mam Nick, Curbar Gap and others. And we’re covid-proof, didn’t you know?

“Joking aside, please don’t be stupid. It shouldn’t need a greater explanation than that.

“Hopefully the evening won’t deteriorate into a mass of emergencies. We’ll deal with what we can, but our underpants aren’t on the outside and we can only knock so much common sense back into society.”

It comes as officers from the Derbyshire Roads Policing Unit and volunteers continue to work tonight to rescue those who have been left stranded in the Goyt Valley after being caught out by the sudden snow.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.