Police have moved to remind people that Dorset is closed to visitors after it was revealed 23 fines have been issued for alleged breaches of the lockdown laws over a two-and-a-half week period.

National statistics have revealed that 3,203 on-the-spot fines for alleged breaches of the lockdown laws were issued across England between Friday 27 March and Monday 13 April. In Dorset 23 fixed penalty notices were issued during this period - this is relatively low compared to other forces.

Neighbouring Devon & Cornwall issued 169 fines, Hampshire issued 103; Avon & Somerset 89; Wiltshire 69.

The force issuing the most fines was Lancashire (380) and the least was Staffordshire (4).

Dorset Police say they are continuing to engage with communities to ensure the public are complying with the Covid-19 restrictions.

Over the four day Easter bank holiday weekend, a team of officers from Dorset Police carried out patrols across the county concentrating on the main arterial routes to prevent people travelling into Dorset from other areas. Hundreds of vehicles were stopped and it was established the vast majority of the drivers were out and about for the right reasons.

Deputy Chief Constable David Lewis said: “I am pleased to say that the vast majority of people we stopped on the roads were making essential journeys. We did speak to some people who had travelled from as far as Birmingham, Bristol, Kent, London and Brighton. The majority were educated about non-essential journeys and were asked to turn around. For the very small minority we had to resort to enforcement.

“The situation is very clear – for now Dorset is closed to visitors. We know how fortunate we are to live in a beautiful part of the country, but our enjoyment of that, for now, will have to wait and we are working closely with our partner agencies to ensure we are issuing the same consistent message. Please do not travel here, because our officers will be continuing with their daily patrols. You will be turned around and where necessary fines will be issued. We are here to ensure people follow these rules and help to save lives.

“Overall I have been delighted with the response from our communities in Dorset who are staying at home – thank you. Our many proactive patrols showed that the majority of people who were using the outdoor areas were indeed exercising and only the occasional sunbather had to be moved on.”