Officers’ spot checks begin to ensure only ‘essential’ travel

SPOT CHECKS are to be carried out by police in North Yorkshire to ensure drivers are carrying out only essential travel journeys.

Officers have been given the powers, backed up by legislation, to fine those not following government guidance, and to disperse groups of people who do not comply.

In the Peak District, Derbyshire Police has warned that people are continuing to drive to its rural areas rather than stay at home.

The force has issued drone footage of visitors and cars parked at its sites, adding that some people had moved a make-shift roadblock to enter the car park.

Now North Yorkshire Police has said it is to launch unannounced checkpoints, with officers to stop drivers to ask where they are going and why. There will also be foot patrols, with a highly visible presence, to disperse groups.

“The new and significant restrictions announced by the Prime Minister on Monday evening spell out very clearly what each and every one of us must do to save lives,” said Asst Chief Constable Mike Walker.

“The message is clear and the warning stark. Stay at home, save lives.

“These are the lives of the people we know and love. Our partners, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, children, grandparents. You may never be in such a position again where your simple actions will lead directly to saving lives.”

The news comes after photos shows hundreds of people travelling to Yorkshire’s coast last weekend. Welsh force DyfedPowys has also said it will be carrying out the checks.

In a bid to help bolster police numbers, the Government will allow civil servants who volunteer as special constables to “assist in the national effort to the greatest extent possible.