Chief Constable Andy Marsh has promised police will not come “crashing through people’s doors” to enforce Coronavirus rules over Christmas.

But Avon & Somerset’s top officer has appealed for everyone to observe the regulations to ensure the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions during the festive period can go ahead.

Speaking during a Facebook Live with Police & Crime Commissioner, Sue Mountstevens last Thursday, Mr Marsh revealed the force had issued 42 spot fines for Covid-related breaches in the first week since national lockdown ended on December 2nd and areas went into Tiers 2 or 3.

He said: “It’s a big moment with the rollout of the

vaccine, but a big moment also because it’s Christmas and we see the relaxation of the measures for a small number of days.

“So, the most important thing for me and for the people I work with in the constabulary is that we get through this safely.”

The Government has announced that between December 23rd and 27th you are allowed to form a Christmas bubble with up to three households, which can include the elderly and more vulnerable, but any risks taken now could jeopardise that.

The Chief Constable said: “The important thing about travelling is that your tier sticks with you as an individual.

“Our role in terms of how we police this is that we’re still very much thinking about the four Es – we’re engaging, encouraging and explaining and as a last resort we are prepared to issue some tickets [enforcing].

“We would rather not issue any tickets, we would rather people complied. We are out there, we have a dedicated operation doing those four Es. We certainly don’t want to be, nor will we be, crashing through people’s doors to enforce these regulations.

“What we would want and expect is for people to take personal responsibility and collective responsibility. We will of course be running our business, our opening hours of 24/7, 365 days a year.

“We would really rather not be dealing with Covid-related enforcement during the festive period, so please be responsible. One life lost that’s preventable is too many. There have been far too many lives lost already.

“Since the increased restrictions in Tier 3, we have seen a really significant drop in the daily infection rates. There is a lag. Our hospitals are still under great pressure.

“We have made great progress, we just need to urge people to continue. They are making a difference.”

Adam Postans LDRS