Humberside's PCC contradicts force over Covid travel rules

Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner Keith Hunter has gone against travel advice issued by Humberside Police, saying people should not travel out of their local area during lockdown.

Earlier this week, Humberside Police claimed current laws "don't restrict the distance" we can travel for exercise.

It's after beaches in seaside towns across East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire saw an influx of visitors after the government announced its roadmap out of lockdown.

Now Keith Hunter has issued his own statement saying everyone should follow the law and the "spirit" of the guidance, "regardless" of whether we think it's the right approach.

The PCC has admitted some "mixed messaging" had been put out over recent days, but he wants to give a clear instruction.

"If you travel for exercise you should have a clear reason for not taking that exercise closer to home. Meeting up with family and friends is not an excuse to travel."

Humberside Police says it will continue to enforce lockdown rules and "may " issue a fixed penalty notice to those breaking the law.

Assistant chief constable Chris Noble added: "“In situations where people are breaching the guidance not to travel out of their local area but are not breaching regulations, we will strongly encourage people to follow the guidance."

For more information on current coronavirus lockdown laws and guidance visit https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-8875/

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