Coronavirus: Police checkpoints in place on South Yorkshire roads in non-essential travel clampdown

South Yorkshire Police has put checkpoints in place on roads across the county as part of measures to prevent ‘non-essential’ travel.
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From today, South Yorkshire Police will operate a number of 'Educational Road Checkpoints' across the county, and have powers to fine people who break self-isolation regulations.

Located across Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham, the checkpoints are there to determine whether the journeys being undertaken by drivers are essential.

If not, officers are there to remind people of the Government’s instructions – to stay at home and do their bit to protect the NHS.

Police have begun enforcing the government lockdown in Sheffield. Copyright: Other 3rd PartyPolice have begun enforcing the government lockdown in Sheffield. Copyright: Other 3rd Party
Police have begun enforcing the government lockdown in Sheffield. Copyright: Other 3rd Party

Superintendent Paul McCurry, said: “The aim of this is for us to be extremely clear that every single person in South Yorkshire has a part to play in the fight against Coronavirus.

“We will stop vehicles and question occupants about their movements; we need people to understand the gravity of the situation we are dealing with.

“So many of you are already following the Government’s advice, and I thank you for listening. However, we are still seeing a small minority ignore the measures.

“I urge everyone to think about their actions; is the journey you are about to make absolutely necessary? If you continue to ignore Government advice, you are having an adverse impact on our NHS and we will take action.”

If you are caught disobeying the self-isolation regulations, you face a fine of £60, which will be lowered to £30 if paid within 14 days.

The fines rise to £120 if you break the restrictions a second time, doubling on each further repeat offence.