Six people are fined £200 each after police caught them trying to leave UK by train and then by ferry just hours later despite Covid travel ban
Six people have been fined £200 each after police caught them trying to England by train and then ferry, despite the Covid-19 lockdown banning international travel.
Kent Police officers stopped five people from London, Hertfordshire and Manchester all trying to cross into France via the Channel tunnel, and told them to go home – only for the same five to travel to Dover and try and sail across via ferry.
The sixth person, from London was spoken to at the Port of Dover, advised of their responsibilities and encouraged to adhere to the guidelines, only to return ten minutes later to attempt to leave the country again.
All six fines came within 24 hours across Wednesday and Thursday.
Kent Police officers fined six people in the space of 24 hours for making repeated attempts to cross The Channel from Dover, despite England’s lockdown banning international travel until December 2
Since November 2 international travel has been banned in England as part of the second lockdown measures.
Overseas travel is only allowed for work, education and legal exemptions such as funerals.
Assistant Chief Constable Claire Nix said: ‘It is really disappointing that a minority of people are not adhering to the Covid-19 regulations.
‘The Government has made it very clear that the best way to support the NHS and save lives is to stay at home and it is our job to ensure people are respecting the measures designed to protect everyone.
‘Until December 2 people should only be leaving home for the reasons the Government has listed, which includes – for example – work, exercise, medical appointments, food and caring for vulnerable people.
‘Everyone should familiarise themselves with the full list of exemptions and understand what is expected of them at this time.
‘I would urge people to seriously think about making that journey.
‘In most situations, we can resolve breaches without having to issue a fine by engaging, explaining and encouraging individuals to adhere to the regulations but in cases like these, when people blatantly disregard the advice and refuse to comply, we are left with no choice but to take enforcement action.
‘In Kent we will continue to police in a sensible, proportionate and fair manner and ask that everyone continues to take personal responsibility for controlling the spread of the virus and protect themselves from harm.’