Police Scotland Chief Constable issues warning ahead of Christmas
Speaking at the First Minister’s daily briefing, Ch Con Livingstone reiterated that he did not “consider it appropriate or proportionate for police officers to set up roadblocks or routinely stop vehicles” to enforce travel restrictions.
“However,” he added, “where apparent breaches come to our attention, officers will continue to respond with good sense, exercising discretion…and enforcement action when required.
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Hide Ad“I can assure you, there will be dedicated visible and proactive patrols and operations across all our roads, the length and breadth of Scotland to ensure vehicles and drivers are in effect condition to drive,” CC Livingstone said.
As several local authorities, including Glasgow, enter Level Three of the Scottish Government’s regional lockdown system today, the Chief Constable warned against breaking travel rules.
“I would reiterate that it's vital to remember that, apart from legitimate exemptions, we should not be travelling in or out of Level Three areas.
He added that, excluding the period of the 23rd to the 27th of December, “you should not be meeting in someone else's home. House parties and house gatherings are not permitted.
CC Livingstone insisted there can be “no excuse” for hosting such gatherings without specific exemptions.
He also paid tribute to Police Scotland officers, saying: “I want to thank and pay tribute officers and staff...and their families indeed, for outstanding commitment to public service through 2020.
“They have...overwhelmingly discharged the new duties required of them with courtesy, common sense, and of course compassion.”