Covid-19 vehicle stop checks are NOT in operation

Message from Humberside Police:-

Following a report this morning in the Brandesburton area of East Yorkshire, we want to advise that we are not routinely stopping any vehicles and that we do not have any stop check areas in place across the Humberside Force area in relation to Covid-19.

A woman reported she was signalled to pull over by two men in a dark grey coloured vehicle at around 9.25am this morning (Friday, 27 March) on the Leven bypass.

The two men, dressed both in black zip up hoodies, carrying walkie talkies and wearing ear pieces, asked where she was driving to and if it was essential, and then demanded she pay a £60 on the spot fine in cash for unnecessary travel.

The woman refused and the two men got back into their car and drove off.

Chief Superintendent Darren Downs said: “I would like to make clear that our current approach to new legislation and powers does not involve routinely stopping any vehicles to enquire where people are driving to and if it’s an essential journey.

“In our general day to day policing role, we do stop vehicles where there is a reason to do so, for instance driving erratically, speeding or without due care or attention, and this will continue.

“However, there are no check points or stop areas in place and drivers will not be pulled over by officers to just ask where they are going, unless it is in response to a specific event, for example we see or become aware of a number of vehicles that are travelling to a mass gathering.

“Our approach to policing the new rules is around engagement with the public as opposed to enforcement, and with any of the powers, we will always try to talk to people first and explain the situation, to encourage individuals to adhere to the Government’s guidance.

“The fines that have been granted as a power to use as part of the new legislation are a very last resort, and if enforced, they would never be an “on the spot” fine.  A fixed penalty notice would be issued to the individual with the instructions on how to pay within a certain period of time.

“If you are stopped by anyone who appears to be portraying themselves as an official, always ask to see some form of identification and if you are concerned for your safety or are in danger, immediately call 999.

“Please be aware and alert to anyone who may attempt to take advantage of these unprecedented times we find ourselves in.

“We know the majority of people are all pulling together, however there will always be a small number of people who choose to exploit situations, and we will take strong action against them.”

Please call police on 101 if you have any information in relation to this incident, quoting log number 92 of 27 March 2020.

Always dial 999 in an emergency.