Nicola Sturgeon has warned she is “actively considering” introduced legal travel bans across Scotland to help curb the spread of coronavirus. The First Minister could introduce severe limits on travel and those breaking the rules could face fines.
Current coronavirus guidance in Scotland tells the public to minimise or avoid unnecessary travel.
They have also urged people not to travel from a higher level to a lower level area, to help contain the virus.
Residents have been asked not to travel into level 3 areas or travel to England.
Currently this guidance is not enforced by law.
However, the First Minister has said the current rules are under review.
Whilst giving evidence to Holyrood’s COVID-19 Committee, she said: “Clearly we have travel restrictions in place in terms of guidance.
“We are actively considering whether we give a legal underpinning in the future weeks to these travel restrictions, and I’ll probably say more about that at that review point next week.
“But whatever approach we take to travel restrictions it relies on people abiding by them.”
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Areas in tier-3 and above have told to limit their travel.
Renfrewshire South MSP Tom Arthur has stressed the importance of obeying the fresh restrictions.
He said: “The travel restrictions at tier three are a necessary measure to slow the spread of coronavirus.
“There are exemptions for essential travel but I hope that people do not see these as loopholes to get round.
“For us to lessen the spread and improve our chances of moving down the levels, I am asking everyone to stick with it – for them and for each other.”
The new rules are due to last until Friday, November 13.
But, Deputy First Minister John Swinney admitted this week that he can’t rule out a second national lockdown in Scotland.
England will enter a four-week national lockdown from tomorrow, and Mr Swinney said it would “foolish” to rule out similar action in Scotland.
