AFTER reports that thousands of people have left the areas newly classified as Tier Four so they can be with family members at Christmas, Essex Police has warned its officers will be imposing the government's legislation.

And it has been announced that British Transport Police will deploy additional officers to check people travelling by train.

The government announced yesterday afternoon (Saturday, 12 December) that strict new rules were going to be put in place at midnight and it was reported that in the immediate aftermath of Boris Johnson's press conference to the nation, local trains, buses and roads were packed with people seizing the opportunity to move before it became illegal.

The full list of restrictions can be found in the above linked story.

ERssex Police responded by issuing a statement saying the new rules 'will have an impact on what we can and can't do.'

Tier 4 covers all areas of the county apart from Colchester, Tendring and Uttlesford which remain in Tier 2.

A police statement said: "We understand this is a challenging end to a challenging year, particularly at a time when many of us were planning to see loved ones.

"Our officers and staff will be on duty over the Christmas and New Year period, and they will be following the latest regulations too.

"The new strain of the virus is reported to be fast-spreading and some people may be infected without displaying symptoms.

"Essex Police will continue to use the same common-sense approach to the regulations that we've had throughout the pandemic – we'll engage with people, explain the regulations, and encourage them to do the right thing.

"We will also continue to respond to clear and blatant breaches of the regulations in order to protect and serve the county.

"You will see officers patrolling as normal, and tackling crime as we do every day of the year.

Between 7am-11pm, you can make an online report directly to one of our digital 101 operators, by selecting the 'Live Chat' button at the bottom of the page.

"By doing the right thing and staying safe, you give our officers more time to help people, keep people safe and catch criminals."

Transport minister Grant Shapps has also asked people to obey the rules, saying: "It is incredibly important that people follow the guidance, stay at home and do not attempt to travel. Our focus must be stopping the spread of this virus, protecting lives and our NHS.

"If you are in Tier 4, the law means you must stay at home and you cannot stay overnight away from home. Across the rest of the country, you must stay local.

"Follow the guidance and please do not come to a station unless you are permitted to travel. Extra BTP officers are being deployed to ensure only those who need to take essential journeys can travel safely."