News of high-visibility border patrols to discourage Tier 3 residents from entering North Yorkshire has prompted a backlash from Telegraph & Argus readers.

Within an hour of the police operation being highlighted, scores of people had posted on the T&A Facebook page to criticise the police tactics.

The North Yorkshire force had previously stated that officers would be "actively patrolling with an increased presence in these border areas" to police the coronavirus regulations, adding that vehicles equipped with ANPR would be positioned along "various routes" into the county.

Last night, Superintendent Mike Walker, lead for the North Yorkshire Police Covid-19 response, said: “Enforcement does play a part in our approach. But as we have previously stated, it is taken as a last resort with those who believe that the same rules and regulations which apply to each one of us, don’t apply to them. We all know that it only takes the poor decisions of a few, to jeopardise the hard work and self-sacrifice of many.”

The T&A Facebook page was alive with comments, with Robert Thompson wondering: "Is this turning into a form of money making police state, its disgraceful, stay away and when you can go don't", adding that the County would regret it when their businessses lose money.

Another Facebook user, Karl Bromley, observed: "It's highly possible that Leeds could drop to Tier 2 and that Bradford remain in Tier 3 and they have to patrol that border, good luck with that one."

Meanwhile, Carol Wilcock Was Duffy mused: "That's stopped a trip to Keelham then."

Danny Wilkins said: "People from West Yorkshire can't afford a drink in North Yorkshire, waste of time."

Andy Collis responded: "There's a Spoons in Skipton."

John Rushworth urged the North Yorkshire force to: "Get out there and catch some real criminals for once. Easy prey as per usual."

Andy Collis obseerved: "Can't ANPR a train, or are they kicking everyone off in Keighley?"

Karl Bates made a similar observation, adding: "Will they be boarding trains at Steeton and asking to see your ID in a German accent?"

Helen Catharine Battye pointed out: "And if you need hospital in Skipton, you have to come to Tier 3 to AGH." (Airedale General Hospital).

Jordan Hesselwood added: "We've been in lockdown twice during this pandemic began and the police have done nothing of such.... lockdown ends and suddenly they are on border patrol, maybe ANPR should be used for stolen cars, tracking crimes, uninsured drivers... but peoples postcodes, really...?"

Georgia Elizabeth said: "For God's sake something has gone wrong with right thinking."

Jerry Dean said: "It's guidance not to travel between tiers, not law. There must be a few excited lawyers poised to pounce in this one!"

Jonathan Stringer posted: "Amazing isint it how all of a sudden the police seem to be able to do something after years of doing literally nothing."

Robert Thompson said: "How can North Yorkshire enforce this? It is recommendation you dont go from 3 to 2 not law?"

Kam Seihra said: "Didn’t realise we were now living in North Korea?"

Ary Hussain simply wrote: "North Yorkea" and added a picture of Kim Jong Un.

Last night, North Yorkshire Police issued a press release entitled 'Police border patrols stepped-up while local authorities ensure Covid-19 alcohol with food rules are followed.'

It said: "The collective effort to keep people safe and limit the spread of the Coronavirus is continuing in North Yorkshire and York.

"Following the move from the national lockdown during November into new Tier 2 restrictions on Wednesday (2 December 2020), partner agencies from across the area are working hard to help residents, businesses and visitors to stay within the Government’s Health Protection Regulations.

"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.

"Local authorities and Trading Standards are leading the enforcement of business restrictions.

"In particular, they will be visiting licensed premises where the serving of alcohol is allowed for consumption on the premises as part of a table meal – one that is expected to be served as breakfast, the main midday or main evening meal, or as a main course.

"The police should only be required to attend such premises as a last resort."

Superintendent Mike Walker, lead for the North Yorkshire Police Covid-19 response said: “The introduction of a new set of regulations for the public and business owners to follow raises inevitable questions about the policing and enforcement of those regulations. So I’d like to be clear and state that North Yorkshire Police’s approach to policing the pandemic remains unchanged.

“It is our responsibility to keep the public of North Yorkshire safe, and we take that responsibility incredibly seriously. It’s what every police officer and member of police staff come to work to do and quite rightly, what the public expect of us.

“So, until the threat this virus poses is eradicated, we will continue to play our part in containing it. We will continue to engage with the public when we are out on patrol in our towns, villages and cities and we will speak to people and explain the regulations and encourage them to adhere to the guidance.

“Enforcement does play a part in our approach. But as we have previously stated, it is taken as a last resort with those who believe that the same rules and regulations which apply to each one of us, don’t apply to them. We all know that it only takes the poor decisions of a few, to jeopardise the hard work and self-sacrifice of many.

“As we know, the best way to beat this virus is to work together, so we will continue to work closely alongside our local authority partners and other agencies to ensure our response is coordinated and effective.

“We police by consent, so we do need the support of the public to ensure we succeed in our collective task. So thank you to all those people and businesses who are working with us and have adapted to the new tiers and who are continuing to act responsibly for the safety of the most vulnerable among us.”