A PROMINENT doctor has said there is 'no risk' of catching or passing on coronavirus by 'sitting in your car'.

Furness GP Geoff Jolliffe made the comments in response to concerns being raised about the new law brought in to slow the spread of the disease.

Some police forces have been accused of being heavy-handed in enforcing the legislation by shaming walkers travelling to beauty spots.

One force in the Midlands even took the step of adding dye to Buxton's 'Blue Lagoon' to deter swimmers while others have been using drones to monitor social distancing.

Police in Barrow have criticised walkers for driving to Walney or Roanhead to walk their dogs.

The confusion comes from the Coronavirus Law which does not prohibit travelling to get exercise although it does ban non-essential travel.

Unlike the new legislation in Wales, which restricts exercise to once a day, England's does not specify how many times we can leave our homes for a walk, run or cycle.

Isabel Hardman, the partner of former Barrow MP John Woodcock, spoke out on Twitter to criticise police for seemingly prohibiting people from sitting down on a bench while taking exercise.

She said: " There’s nothing the government has published saying you can’t sit down when you’re out for your exercise."

Dr Jolliffe, who is clinical chair of the Morecambe Bay Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "There is a logical disconnect here.

"If you're sitting in your car then you are not at risk from others nor transmitting a risk.

"Likewise if you're in the middle of nowhere then sitting standing or pretty much anything else is risk free.

"A focus on preventing physical mixing is key."