Police to introduce vehicle checkpoints in North Yorkshire during lockdown

The locations of the checkpoints will not be announced in advance and they will operate on a rolling basis from March 26.

Government advice is that anyone leaving their home in a vehicle should only do so alone and to conduct essential errands such as buying food and medicine or visiting a vulnerable person who is in isolation to deliver supplies. Exercise should be taken in the local area where possible. Workers in key occupations can also travel to their jobs by car.

Police officers will be stopping vehicles, asking those inside where they are going and why, and reminding them of the importance of staying at home and avoiding non-essential journeys.

The force is now able to fine people and disperse groups who do not comply.

Police forces around the country have endured a frustrating few days since lockdown regulations were enforced, with many reporting large groups of youths continuing to gather in public area - with some even having barbecues,

A North Yorkshire paramedic expressed anger at the weekend when he saw large numbers of vehicles heading to the coast and moors on the A64 for a day out shortly before the lockdown was imposed.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority has had to remind people not to drive to the countryside to exercise, and the National Trust have now completely closed all of their sites and car parks to deter visitors. Forestry England have also barred access to recreation areas such as Dalby Forest after realising that people were travelling long distances to visit.