Police Scotland issues statement over Westhill drivers
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Following recent reports on social media of drivers being fined for travelling between closely associated areas in the Garioch area of Aberdeenshire and the outskirts of Aberdeen, Police Scotland today issued a statement on the situation.
Officers have been spotted yesterday carrying out checks in the Westhill area, around Arnhall Business Park, McDonald’s and Kingsford.
Several social media sites reported that motorists have been quizzed by officers about their purpose for travelling – with some claiming to have been fined for going to a supermarket outwith the city boundary.
Responding to the comments today inspector Gareth Hannan of Inverurie Police Station said: "We are aware of comments on social media suggesting that police road blocks and check points were in operation in the Westhill and Kingswells areas.
"The chief constable has made it clear that officers will not be establishing check points or road blocks simply to enforce travel restrictions and we can confirm this continues to be the case.
"Motorists stopped in the Westhill and Kingswells areas yesterday were as a result of routine policing activity and no fines have been issued.
"Our approach throughout the pandemic has not changed.
"Police Scotland officers will continue to support people to follow the regulations and encourage them to take personal responsibility to do the right thing.
"The Scottish Government's restrictions remain in place, meaning people should not leave their homes unless for essential purposes.
"The best way to stay safe and to protect the NHS is to stay at home.
"Where officers encounter wilful breaches of the regulations they will act decisively to enforce the law."
