People who sit on park benches for too long are likely to be breaking coronavirus lockdown rules, police have been told.

New guidance issued to forces in England also indicates people should not be working from nearby parks rather than their home.

But those who need a “cooling-off” period after rows at home can move between households if they leave for several days, according to the advice given to officers.

The guidance issued by the National Police Chiefs' Council comes after some 3,203 fines were handed out by police in England between March 27 and April 13 to those considered to be flouting the rules.

The guidance gives more advice to officers on how to interpret the lockdown restriction laws – known as the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020.

Details of the document emerged on Thursday after it was issued to forces last week amid concerns some officers were misunderstanding the new powers.

Described as a reproduction of a “really useful practical guide” from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) on what might constitute a reasonable excuse, it warns the list of examples is “not exhaustive” and “each case still needs to be considered based on the individual facts as they present themselves”.

Examples of acceptable activities include driving to the countryside and walking when far more time is spent walking than driving; stopping to rest or eat lunch while on a long walk; exercising once a day, and buying tools and supplies for repairs and maintenance.

Examples of incidents not likely to be considered reasonable by police under the guidance include a person who can work from home choosing to work in a nearby park; a short walk to a park bench when the person remains seated for a much longer period; buying paint and brushes simply to redecorate a kitchen, and driving for a prolonged period for only brief exercise.

A COP spokeswoman the information was put together so officers and the CPS are “joined-up”, adding: “This isn’t new national guidance and the messaging for the public hasn’t changed.”