Visitors told not to come to Cornwall at half-term in SECOND warning from police
Officers say anyone who breaks lockdown travel restrictions without a valid reason could be fined
Police have issued a SECOND warning, urging visitors not to come to Cornwall at half term.
Officers say anyone who breaks lockdown travel restrictions without a proper reason could be fined.
They have tweeted the message: "Devon and Cornwall aren't going anywhere - please visit us another time".
The first warning came earlier in the week, with the message: "Stay local this half term, Devon and Cornwall will welcome you back soon".
The force says we need to reduce pressure on our roads and NHS to stop the spread, as it works to keep communities safe from Covid-19.
The warnings come after an incident last weekend, where three people who travelled from Somerset to Cornwall were fined.
The trio apparently told Penzance Police they wanted to look at the cliffs in wet weather!
Scroll down to check the travel restrictions in force during the pandemic.
What are the travel rules during the pandemic?
"Under the current lockdown regulations you cannot leave your home for holidays or overnight stays unless you have a permitted reasonable excuse, such as for work. This means holidays and stays in second homes are not allowed.
"We are working with our partners to ensure we have one clear, consistent message for the public - do not travel to Devon and Cornwall at this time.
"Please stay at home and do not undertake travel that isn't essential.
"We understand that people may have second homes in the area but we urge you not to travel to them.
"Our primary approach remains engagement, explanation and encouragement.
"As a last resort police officers will use their discretion around issuing fines but this is not an approach that we would take lightly".
Devon and Cornwall Police
You can read the latest advice from Devon and Cornwall Police here.
What happens if I break the rules?
Anyone breaking the rules can be given a Fixed Penalty Notice of £200 for the first offence, doubling for further offences up to a maximum of £6,400.
If people hold, or are involved in holding, an illegal gathering of over 30 people, the police can issue fines of £10,000.
Breaches of Covid-19 regulations can be reported on theDevon and Cornwall Police websiteor over the phone by calling 101.
At the start of the pandemic, Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer filmed the following appeal to anyone hoping to visit Cornwall or Devon...