BORDER checks are in place to stop residents from East Lancashire and other neighbouring tier 3 areas travelling to North Yorkshire for non-essential reasons.

Following the end of the second national lockdown, Lancashire has been placed into the highest tier of local restrictions while North Yorkshire is in tier 2, allowing pubs and restaurants to stay open and serve alcohol with a substantial meal, leading to fears that people in tier 3 areas will visit for a meal.

Officers in North Yorkshire are carrying out patrols along the borders to discourage people from neighbouring tier 3 locations from travelling into the area, for anything other than work or education.

Superintendent Mike Walker said: “To those living in tier 3 areas, please do not try to side-step the tighter restrictions in your area by visiting neighbouring tier 2 areas for a day or night out. If you do, you may inadvertently bring the virus in with you and increase the chance of transmission to local residents.

“North Yorkshire Police will be actively patrolling and will have an increased presence in these border areas and we will be policing the Coronavirus regulations. Our safety camera fleet, which are equipped with ANPR, will also be visible along various routes into the region.

“North Yorkshire is well-known for its hospitality and warmth, but right now we have to ask visitors to stay in their own tier area for the health and safety of our most vulnerable residents. If you have a visit planned, please reschedule to a time where we are able to give you a proper welcome to our beautiful county.”

North Yorkshire police have also teamed up with partner agencies from across the area, including trading standards, to help residents, businesses and visitors to stay within the Government’s Health Protection Regulations.

The Government guidance about travelling from a tier 3 areas states that you should avoid travelling outside your area and reduce the number of journeys made where possible.

It also says that you should avoid car sharing with those outside of your household, or support bubble.

You should avoid overnight stays, and travel to lower tier areas except for the following reasons:

  • for work
  • for education
  • to access voluntary, charitable or youth services
  • because of caring responsibilities
  • for moving home
  • to visit your support bubble
  • for a medical appointment or treatment
  • You can travel through other areas as part of a longer journey.

A statement on the Government website said: "If you live in a Tier 3 area, you must continue to follow Tier 3 rules when you travel to a Tier 1 or Tier 2 area.

"You must not stay with anyone you do not live with elsewhere in the UK or visit their home, unless you share a support bubble."