People hoping to travel from the Bradford district into North Yorkshire could face police stop checks, it has emerged.

Officers in North Yorkshire are mounting border patrols in a bid to deter people from Tier 3 areas crossing into the county.

ANPR is also being used in the operation, it has been confirmed.

The Bradford district is one of the Tier 3 areas that shares a border with North Yorkshire, to the north of Keighley and to the south of Skipton.

The border patrols have come in for criticism, with some sceptics suggesting the Force was overstepping the mark.

T&A readers hit out at border patrols 

North Yorkshire Police said "enforcement" did play a part in its operation, adding: "North Yorkshire Police is carrying out high-visibility patrols along the force borders to discourage people from neighbouring Tier 3 locations from travelling into the area which increases the risk of infection."

Superintendent Mike Walker, North Yorkshire Police lead for their Covid response, said: "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. 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.

“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 Police will be actively patrolling and will have an increased presence in these border areas and we will be policing the Coronavirus regulations. Our safety camera fleet, which are equipped with ANPR, will also be visible along various routes into the region.

“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.”