Drivers fined for breaching travel restrictions

DRIVERS have been fined for breaching restrictions when travelling between England and Wales, writes Marcus Hughes.

Gwent Police officers have been carrying out patrols around the border near Monmouthshire in recent days in an attempt to discourage drivers from taking nonessential journeys.

The force has warned they “will take enforcement action” against the minority who choose to flout restrictions.

Officers said a number of fixed penalty notices have been issued for breaches in the past few days including for people travelling without a reasonable excuse.

Some of the excuses officers heard included an individual “coming into Wales to look for some snow” and another person who had been in isolation for two weeks before deciding to have a “drive to Bristol for the day”.

Gwent Police shared a picture of a police car stationed at the Second Severn Crossing, also known as the Prince of Wales Bridge, on Wednesday.

“As we have been since the start of lockdown we’ll be using a number of engagement and enforcement options to protect our communities,” a Gwent Police spokesman said.

“Officers have and will continue to carry out proactive operations to encourage people to take responsibility and follow the guidance to help limit the spread of the virus.

“However our message is clear for the minority that flout the restrictions – we will take enforcement action.

“We know this is a very difficult time for all and we thank members of our community for their continued support as we all work together to keep everyone safe.

“We all have a part to play – we will continue to do our very best to protect and reassure our communities.”