Police in Wales will stop cars to check why people are travelling over Christmas

North Wales Police has said ‘high-visibility’ patrols will continue across the festive break, with officers asking people why they are travelling.

Police in Wales have warned they will stop cars to check why people are travelling over the Christmas period.

Wales entered its highest level of restrictions, effectively amounting to a lockdown, on Sunday, with the public expected to stay at home and avoid travel unless there is a reasonable excuse.

The controls will be relaxed on Christmas Day, when people will be permitted to travel to mix with one other household.

North Wales Police has said ‘high-visibility’ patrols will continue across the festive break, with officers asking people why they are travelling.

Temporary assistant chief constable Nigel Harrison said: ‘We fully recognise that this Christmas will be like no other, with families forced to remain at home under new strict tier four restrictions.

‘We know that this is a worrying time for people and we are absolutely determined to continue to provide the best possible public service.

‘We want you to know that we are here for you, protecting you and preventing crime wherever we can.

‘Throughout the festive period we will be undertaking high visibility patrols and will also be making checks on the reasons people are travelling.’

He also urged anyone tempted to hold indoor gatherings or house parties over Christmas and New Year to ‘remember that the restrictions are in place to prevent the spread of the virus, protect the NHS and save lives’.

Mr Harrison went on: ‘In most situations, we resolve breaches without having to issue a fine. Where people refuse to listen and comply – and are putting everyone at risk – we will take robust enforcement action.

‘We absolutely recognise the great strain on people and the sacrifices that we are all making to get through this incredibly difficult time.

‘We’re grateful the overwhelming majority of people recognise the seriousness of the situation and are playing their part by complying with the restrictions.

‘We want to continue working with our communities over what is likely to be a testing few months for everyone.’

There were a further 2,161 cases of coronavirus recorded in Wales yesterday, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 133,263.

Public Health Wales reported another 63 deaths, taking the total since the start of the pandemic to 3,263.

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