Question reference: S5W-35657
- Asked by: Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 2 March 2021
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Current status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 12 March 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what steps are being taken by Police Scotland to ensure that all COVID-19 travel restrictions are followed, particularly as the weather begins to improve.
Answer
Enforcement of the Coronavirus Regulations, including the travel restrictions, is an operational matter for the Chief Constable of Police Scotland.
Police Scotland fully recognise the impact the restrictions have on people’s lives. Their approach throughout the pandemic has not changed. Officers will continue to support people to follow the Regulations and encourage them to take personal responsibility for their actions using a 4Es approach of Engage, Explain, Encourage and Enforce.
Police Scotland have advised that they have increased patrols in Scotland’s communities and on our roads network to provide greater potential for officers to explain the regulations and to encourage people to do the right thing. Where officers encounter wilful breaches, they will act decisively to enforce the law.
Police Scotland have also advised that they will continue to deal with clear breaches in international travel regulations in line with the 4Es approach and appropriate operating procedures have been put in place to ensure any such breaches can be effectively enforced.