A small historic bridge which separates a Tier 3 village from a more relaxed Tier 3 area is being monitored by police to stop thirsty drinkers nipping across it for a cheeky pint.
The crossing straddles the River Derwent and lies directly on the boundary between the East Riding of Yorkshire and the Ryedale district of North Yorkshire.
But while the East Yorkshire village of Stamford Bridge lies in Tier 3, with restaurants, pubs and many other venues are closed, on the other side of the water is an easier regime, reports Hull Live.
The coronavirus pandemic has created a new line over which people on both sides of the river must tread very carefully.
People in East Riding are stuck in Tier 3, but those living in the Ryedale district of North Yorkshire have it slightly easier in Tier 2.
And the bridge is almost exactly the crossing point between the two tiers.
Police have latched onto the fact that some people are slipping across the bridge, either in a car or on foot, to a place of slightly greater freedom.
Patrols are now underway and officers have been seen turning vehicles after conducting spot checks.
The checks are being carried out by North Yorkshire Police who say drivers could face "enforcement action" if they are found to be on non-essential journeys.
They have been patrolling the borders using their fleet of safety camera cars, which are equipped with ANPR cameras.
Speaking recently, Superintendent Mike Walker, of North Yorkshire Police, said: "I realise there may be some confusion over what is deemed necessary in these circumstances, so I’d like to be clear here: it is neither necessary or acceptable to leave a Tier 3 area and enter a lower tier area for a day trip or to visit a pub or restaurant for a meal.
"Please also be reminded that your tier restrictions travel with you and police can take enforcement action against you, if you should breach those restrictions.
“Those living in Tier 3 areas are advised not to travel out of the area unless it is necessary, such as for work or education.
“To those living in Tier 3 areas, please do not try to side-step the tighter restrictions in your area by visiting neighbouring Tier 2 areas for a day or night out.
"If you do, you may inadvertently bring the virus in with you and increase the chance of transmission to local residents.
“North Yorkshire is well-known for its hospitality and warmth, but right now we have to ask visitors to stay in their own tier area for the health and safety of our most vulnerable residents.
"If you have a visit planned, please reschedule to a time where we are able to give you a proper welcome to our beautiful county.”
