Social distancing measures have been tightened by the Government - prompting concerns about some of the rules regarding what you can and cannot do.

Under new government guidance, people are allowed to go out once daily for exercise - but does this include driving to a beauty spot or park to run or walk your dog?

Here are the answers to some top questions.

Can I drive to take my dog on a walk?

The current rules being enforced by the lockdown states that there are only four reasons you should be leaving your home:

- One form of daily exercise (which includes walking your dog)

- Shopping for essentials -

Travelling to and from work -

To fulfil medical needs

New government advice addresses the issue of driving further afield than where you live to take exercise.

The guidance says - please use the following guidance in order to stay safe:

–stay local and use open spaces near to your home where possible

–do not travel unnecessarily

– you should only go outside alone or with members of your own household keep at least 2 metres apart from anyone outside your household at all times

–gatherings of more than two in parks or other public spaces have been banned and the police will enforce this

– if you have a garden, make use of the space for exercise and fresh air

– take hygiene precautions when you are outside, and wash your hands as soon as you are back indoors

Dorset Police have started using checkpoints to stop vehicles and ask drivers where they are going.

With the police now being granted powers to arrest those who ignore lockdown rules, driving to a separate location to walk your dog or do some exercise is not advisable.

Are parks closed?

In the list released by the government, it stated: “Parks will remain open only for individuals and households to exercise once a day.

“Communal spaces within parks such as playgrounds and football pitches will be closed.”

The National Trust also announced that they are closing all of their gardens and parks as well due to the spread of coronavirus.

Their statement said: “We have now closed all of our gated gardens and parks as well as our houses, cafes and shops to help restrict the spread of the coronavirus, and by the end of Tuesday 24 March, we will close all our car parks.

“We believe it is important that people do not travel, and instead stay at home and observe social distancing measures.”

Beach car parks along the Dorset coast have been closed.

What is 'essential travel'?

You should be aware of what the government defines as “essential travel”.

After releasing the guidelines on social distancing, the government also said that people should avoid travelling unless it’s essential.

The statement reads: “Essential travel does not include visits to second homes, camp sites, caravan parks or similar, whether for isolation purposes or holidays.

“People should remain in their primary residence. Not taking these steps puts additional pressure on communities and services that are already at risk.”