Can I travel to England from Scotland? Border rules and fines for breaking them explained

With the Christmas plans of millions in disarray many are asking if they will be able to visit friends and relatives across the border during the festive period
Travel restrictions between Scotland and the rest of the UK have been strengthened in recent day (Getty Images)Travel restrictions between Scotland and the rest of the UK have been strengthened in recent day (Getty Images)
Travel restrictions between Scotland and the rest of the UK have been strengthened in recent day (Getty Images)

Nicola Sturgeon announced a strengthening of travel measures between Scotland and the rest of the UK after the Westminster government said that cases were rising exponentially due to a new strain of the coronavirus.

Speaking to the Scottish public on December 20, Ms Sturgeon explained the need for action.

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She said: “Given that this strain is circulating we know widely in some parts of the UK and given that we know it is already seeded in Scotland and is already circulating albeit at a lower level in Scotland, the bottom line is this - if we don’t act firmly and decisively now to stop it, it will take hold here.”

Can I cross the border?

Only in exceptional circumstances.

Ms Sturgeon explained that travel restrictions between the country would be in place over the festive period, despite plans to loosen measures for a five day period.

She said: “in order to reduce the risk of more of this strain being imported into Scotland, we intend to maintain a strict travel ban between Scotland and the rest of the UK.

“Unfortunately and I am genuinely sorry about this, that will remain in place throughout the festive period. We simply cannot risk more of this strain entering the country if we can possible avoid it.

“That means people from Scotland not visiting other parts of the UK and vice versa. Cross border travel for all but the most essential purposes is not permitted.”

The Scottish Government website explains that “under current Scottish law, given the state of the epidemic in those countries, unless you have a reasonable excuse (see exceptions) you must not travel between Scotland and England, Northern Ireland and Wales.

What exceptional circumstances can I cross the border?

Exceptions to the travel ban included but are not exclusive to the following:

- travel for work or an activity associated with seeking employment, or to provide voluntary or charitable services, but only where that cannot be done from your home

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- travel to school (including travel to or from boarding school), college, or university (for example to or from home at the start or end of term) This includes travel for home education, training, school day trips or for other essential purposes connected with a course of study

- travel for under 18s organised activities and sport

- travel for essential shopping, including essential shopping for a vulnerable person.

- travel for healthcare

- travel for childcare or parental support services

-travel for essential services

A full list of exceptions can be found here.

Are police patrols in place?

After Nicola Sturgeon’s announcement on December 21, Police Scotland announced that they were doubling patrols along the Scotland/England border.

Chief Constable lain Livingstone said “highly visible patrols” on roads would be used to “deter anyone who night be considering breaching the coronavirus travel restrictions”.

Livingstone said that the police would not go as far as establishing checkpoints or roadblocks to enforce travel restrictions.

But he added: “Today, I have authorised the doubling of our operational presence in the Border areas of Scotland.

“These highly visible patrols will be proactively deployed on our road networks to continue our operational activity to ensure drivers and vehicles are in a fit condition to drive.

“The patrols will also deter anyone who night be considering breaching the coronavirus travel restrictions.”