North Yorkshire Police has confirmed that they will be deploying vehicle checkpoints from today (Thursday 26th March) to support the Government’s measure to protect the NHS and save lives during the Coronavirus outbreak.

The checkpoints will be put in place to ensure motorists are complying with the Government rules and are only making essential journeys.

Earlier this week, the Government announced significant changes to our way of life, instructing us to stay at home and only go out for basic necessities, a medical need, to care for or help a vulnerable person, or travel to work but only where this absolutely cannot be done from home.

These measures are backed up by new legislation, which allows the police to fine people and disperse of groups of people of more than two people (who are not from the same household) who do not comply with the life-saving rules.

Officers will be stopping vehicles and asking motorists where they are going, why they are going there, and reminding them of the message to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.

Assistant Chief Constable Mike Walker, said:

“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. 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.

“Alongside the new restrictions, the Government announced new powers to enforce them.

“I know the vast majority of people will follow the restrictions without question, as they have done so already.

“And as the legislation comes into force, the roadside checks will help us to reinforce the messaging.

“So we ask people not to make non-essential journeys, and to understand the definition of essential.

“We sincerely hope that we won’t have to resort to enforcement action, but if people do not comply, we will.

“We’ll also be out on foot, with a highly visible policing presence, to disperse groups, enforce the social distancing measures and remind people of the seriousness of the situation we are facing.

“Please continue to look after each other, try and make the most of this unprecedented opportunity to spend more time with your loved ones, and remember we are here for you if you need us.”

The checkpoints will be unannounced and could appear anywhere at any time.

The full “Stay at home” restrictions can be found here.

Find us in the new Google News App – search for ‘Emergency Services News’ and then click on the ‘star’ symbol to follow ESN.

CLICK here to join our Emergency Services News community on Facebook.

Our social media group/community is open to both the public and emergency services personnel.

It is also a great place to share any emergency services related content (such as videos) which you have filmed.

If you have a story or video that you would like us to cover/share, then you can contact our team via contact@emergency-services.news

We also cover stories which relate to the NHS, the armed forces and the security services.