Police officers have been patrolling Edinburgh-bound trains to ask passengers where they are going, and to check if their journey is essential as the UK-wide lockdown continues.
British Transport Police confirmed that officers were boarding trains in Scotland and elsewhere in the UK to quiz people on why they were moving between various towns and cities. Several people taking to Twitter to comment on their actions, with one or two complaining that it was "heavy-handed".
On 14 April, one man travelling to Edinburgh from London said he'd witnessed police "giving a man s**t about making a non essential journey."
Other people simply noted that police were checking journeys but didn't complain about the practice.
Earlier today (14 April), British Transport Police tweeted: "If you're using the rail network today, you'll see our officers on duty across the country - we'll be asking your reasons for travel.
"Please, please only travel if absolutely necessary."
The lockdown measures implemented three weeks ago make it clear that people are only permitted to leave home to go to work "where this is absolutely necessary and cannot be done from home", i.e. if they are a key worker.
Police have been given powers to issue on-the-spot fines to people who are breaking the lockdown, specifically those gathering in groups of more than two people.
Many people have been issued with these fixed penalty notices to date, including in Scotland. One woman got in touch with Edinburgh Live to complain that she had been fined for leaving her home to buy wine.
Five hundred British Transport Police officers were deployed to rail stations on 25 March to "remind" people that only essential journeys should be made.
Deputy Chief Constable Adrian Hanstock told Edinburgh Live :
“This Easter weekend our officers were carrying out the role they do every day, which is saving lives. Officers are patrolling stations across the rail network, supporting staff and reminding the public of the urgent need to follow the government advice – only those making essential journeys should be using the rail network.
“Millions of people have been playing their part in protecting the NHS and their loved ones by not using rail services. I urge the public to keep doing the right thing and help us save lives by staying at home and slowing the spread of the virus.”
