Central government has been blasted for sowing confusion with new lockdown guidance that only applies to England.
Council bosses said they cannot impose “border controls” so North Somerset is bracing for an influx of visitors it does not want this weekend by opening some car parks and toilets.
They hit out at Prime Minister Boris Johnson for changing the rules at short notice with guidance that is “unclear and unhelpful”.
Speaking during a Facebook Live video with executive members, deputy leader Mike Bell said: “This has been challenging for us. Not everyone agrees with the change of direction or the timing from Government. We were given relatively short notice.
“Some of the guidance isn’t clear and certainly isn’t helpful.
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“We’ve made representations that the unlimited ability to travel is a bad idea. The last thing we want to see is people coming down the M5 to North Somerset.
“We don’t want people to come. We want to keep the spaces for local people. We’re doing our best to get that message out. We can’t impose border controls.
“We’ve looked at the partial reopening of some seafront toilets to recognise there will be an increase in people visiting.
“We’re keeping everything under review. We’re trying to strike a balance between protecting people and acting in accordance with the guidance.
“If Boris Johnson could give us more notice in the future, that would be helpful.”
People in England can drive unlimited distances to exercise with members of their household, with Welsh police enforcing a different set of rules. In Wales, residents are still advised to stay at home.
Council leader Don Davies said: “[This weekend] is going to be a learning experience for us, the police and central government.
“The guidance on central government has been frustrating - we couldn’t go to the Wye Valley because the guidance from Welsh government has been completely different.
“If central government set out to confuse the population, they have succeeded.
“It’s to the detriment of North Somerset.”
The council is opening a number of car parks: Salthouse at Clevedon; Knightstone Causeway, Melrose and Worlebury Woods in Weston; Bus Terminus and Beach Road in Kewstoke/Sand Bay; and the cricket club car park at the Lake Grounds in Portishead. The seafront car park at Portishead will remain closed.
Cllr Mark Canniford, the executive member for business, economy and employment, said: “The Government have made it quite clear that people can travel to places. We have a brilliant beach here and in other parts of North Somerset.
“If we open absolutely nothing and people still come, they’re going to be parked outside our residents’ homes. The facilities are extremely limited.
“Social distancing isn’t a difficult idea. People need to be sensible if they use the car parks.
“If people are gathering they will be dealt with and I’m sure the police will issue fines.
“We need to be vigilant.”
