Police warning to Easter bank holiday tourists and second home owners

Holidaymakers and second home owners caught travelling to the South West for the Easter bank holiday weekend will be fined and refused entry, police have warned.

Devon and Cornwall Police say officers will be patrolling major roads across the region to ensure the Government’s lockdown measures are followed.

Chief Superintendent Ian Drummond-Smith, the Police Commander for Cornwall, has warned that anyone caught travelling down to the South West without good reason will be fined.

WATCH: Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police issues this reminder to members of the public ahead of Easter Weekend

The warning comes after figures reveal more than 7,000 people have now died from coronavirus in the UK.

People are being urged to follow the rules and stay indoors in order to delay the spread of the virus and ease the pressure on the NHS.

Ch Supt Drummond-Smith confirmed that those found holidaying in the county in breach of the restrictions can expect a fine.

“Our officers will be patrolling this weekend, firstly on the M5 and A30 in an attempt to prevent visitors from entering the force area, and then locally to enforce the restrictions.," he said.

Police can now hand out fines to anyone flouting the rules. Credit: PA

"We will do so in a fair and balanced manner, but travelling down to the West country is a serious breach of these restrictions and those doing so can expect to receive a fine.”

In previous weekends during the lockdown, police stopped a tourist from Birmingham in a motorhome at the Devon-Somerset border while a group of climbers from Bristol were sent back to the West Country after attempting to climb a mountain in Wales.

For the latest updates on coronavirus in the West Country, including case numbers, event cancellations and venue closures, click here.

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