PSNI and An Garda Síochána to cooperate against COVID-19 breaches this Bank Holiday weekend as ACC Todd reports rise in traffic

ACC Todd called on the public to act responsibly, to only travel when necessary and to continue to abide by the Executive regulations to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Worryingly the top police officer reported a recent increase in the amount of traffic on the roads locally.

He said some people were clearly breaking the law.

ACC Todd said: “The guidance from our Health Minister and the NI Executive, alongside the regulations, are clear; people should only leave home when they have a clear and essential reason for doing so.

“Since the beginning of the restrictions we have been aware of a slow but steady increase in the number of vehicles on our roads. While some of this can be explained by increased commercial activity and the travel of essential workers there is clearly a number of people who are not adhering to the regulations."

With a Bank Holiday in the north this weekend, ACC Todd said the PSNI will be working with its counterpart in the south to prevent further breaches.

“We will be conducting patrols and checks over the weekend right across Northern Ireland and we will also be coordinating activity with our colleagues in An Garda Síochána.

“Our preference is always for members of our communities to comply with the restrictions in place and throughout our activity over the weekend we will continue to engage, explain and encourage people to play their part to protect themselves and others. Enforcement will always be a last resort.”