Coronavirus lockdown checkpoints are being set up regularly in different locations across the county as Wiltshire Police work to crack down on motorists breaking the law.
Over the past few days, we’ve seen officers operating the roadside checkpoints in Warminster, Westbury, Marlborough and Melksham as the Easter bank holiday weekend approaches.
Today, local officers and special constables – supported by the specialist operations unit – were stationed on main roads in the Chippenham, Calne and Corsham area.
During this particular operation, the team stopped 140 vehicles with officers confirming that “almost everyone” spoken to were “following the government’s guidance and travelling only for essential purposes”. Though, a number of road traffic offences were also discovered.
Inspector James Brain said: “A huge thank you to everyone who displayed such understanding and resilience whilst working together in keeping everybody safe.
“Please remember to stay home this Easter weekend, despite the warm weather, and stay safe.”
For two hours on Wednesday police stopped vehicles on the Melksham by-pass, Eastern Way, asking the occupants to confirm their reason for travelling. Everyone was found to be abiding by the rules.
Lockdown checkpoints are set to become commonplace across Wiltshire, especially during the upcoming Easter bank holiday weekend, when temperatures of up to 24 degrees centigrade are expect to tempt many residents to break the law for a picnic in the park or trip to the beach.
