Kent Police Crackdown at Dover and Channel Tunnel: Over 50 Fined for Trying to Flee UK Lockdown
Kent Police have been busy at the Port of Dover and Channel Tunnel over the weekend, stopping more than 50 people trying to dodge the UK’s latest lockdown rules. Between Thursday 12 November and Sunday 15 November, officers caught travellers flouting restrictions by attempting to leave the country without a valid excuse.
Locked-Down Brits Caught in Groups, Ignoring Rules
Many of those stopped were travelling in groups larger than two, mixing households – a strict no-no under current Covid-19 measures. All were attempting to cross borders despite public health rules forbidding non-essential travel during the four-week lockdown.
- Eight people from two families crammed into one car, heading from London to Bulgaria
- Three other cars with two people each from Leicester, Birmingham, and Thetford also tried to leave
Officers warned the group to follow the rules, but undeterred, all four vehicles tried to exit via the Channel Tunnel. Police stopped them again and slapped each driver with £200 fixed penalty notices. The London driver with eight passengers also got fined for driving without insurance.
London Man Also Fined After Ignoring Officers’ Advice
At the Channel Tunnel, a London man trying to head to France was told off for breaking the rules. After receiving advice, he left but returned shortly to attempt crossing again. Police hit him with a fine too.
Assistant Chief Constable Issues Stark Warning
“The Government has made it very clear that the best way to support the NHS and save lives is to stay at home,” said Assistant Chief Constable Claire Nix.
“Until 2 December, people should only leave home for listed reasons such as work, exercise, medical needs, food shopping or caring duties. We expect everyone to know the rules and follow them.”
“Most folks in Kent do the right thing, but when people blatantly ignore restrictions, we have no choice but to fine them.”
“We will keep policing sensibly and fairly, but ask everyone to take personal responsibility to stop the virus spreading.”
