Falmouth police have stopped over 100 vehicles this morning in random traffic stops to ask their reason for travel.

They have shared their thanks for residents compliance with government guidelines.

In a statement on social media they said:

"Officers have been conducting random traffic stops in a couple of locations in Falmouth this morning. 155 cars stopped over the course of the morning.

"Every one of them had a valid reason for being on the road! Thank you for all of your compliance."

Just under 300 fines have now been handed out by Devon & Cornwall Police to people who were breaking coronavirus restrictions issued by the government.

In the 10 days between Good Friday, April 10th, and 20th April, 296 fines were issued as a last resort across the region by officers; the vast majority of these were issued to those undertaking non-essential journeys.

Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew said:

"By now, everyone should know what their responsibility is in the battle against coronavirus; keep staying at home, try to stay local when exercising and only undertake essential travel. This will help us protect the NHS and ultimately, to save lives.

"There is no room for complacency and we must all keep adhering to the government advice. The majority of people are continuing to play their part in reducing the spread of Covid-19 and to them that I say thank you, your role in this should not be underestimated.

"There has been much discussion around the legislation and what it does and doesn't specifically prohibit.

"It's important to remember that a key factor is if a person's actions are reasonable or not, and this is why our officers will continue to have conversations with those they stop and will make individual judgements based on specific circumstances presented to them."

ACC Mayhew added:

"A very small percentage of those people our officers speak to during police stops result in enforcement.

"The feedback from the vast majority of our communities is that we are currently striking the right balance between engagement and enforcement, and we will continue to strive to deliver a proportionate approach to the legislation.

ACC Mayhew said:

"Please keep to doing your bit by staying at home and avoiding unnecessary travel; you are protecting the NHS and saving lives."