Police hit back at critics of lockdown ‘bust’ on motorway

MOTORWAY police have hit back at critics accusing them of being heavyhanded after a driver was stopped on the M6 making a 250-mile round trip to Rochdale to buy a new car.

Police in Staffordshire say the driver and passenger of the Mitsubishi 4x4 were both reported for breaching lockdown restrictions on Sunday, after travelling from Coventry.

But after the force tweeted details of the incident they were criticised by some for taking action.

The Central Motorway Policing Group tweeted: “The driver and the passenger of this vehicle have been reported for breach of covid restrictions on the M6 at @Staffs Police.

“Travelling from Coventry to Rochdale to pick up your new car is not an essential journey. #StayHomeSaveLives.”

Several of the force’s followers replied, pointing out that the driver may have been a key worker and needed the new car to get to work.

●●The Central Motorway Police Group said action had been taken against two people travelling on the M6 to pick up a new car

Paul Shepherd tweeted: “Sorry CMPG I think you called this wrong, he could be an essential worker and needs this car.”

But the force replied: “On each occasion we deal with and report people, whatever the offence may be, believe me, we ask the correct questions to satisfy ourselves that we are justified in reporting the person for said offence.

“I agree you don’t hear the full circumstances with only limited characters.

“But, on this occasion, the circumstances were more than justified to report both the driver and the passenger for the breach of covid offence.

“Lockdown is still in force. Thank you for your support. Stay safe.”

In recent weeks Rochdale town centre policing team stopped a Volkswagen Golf to speak to the occupants from Huddersfield who ‘decided it would be a good idea to visit Rochdale for a kebab.’

And, police stopped two Rochdale motorcyclists who had travelled to Whitby for fish and chips.