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As part of an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus, officers have set up road blocks in the city and are stopping vehicles.

Cambridgeshire police said: “Check points can be anywhere. Be prepared to be stopped and questioned about your journeys. Let’s help each other and stay at home unless absolutely necessary.”

Police carrying out stop checks in Peterborough. Photo and video from Cambridgeshire police

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The force revealed that one motorist had a car full of people and said he was going to Halfords to look at a new bike.

He was turned away and sent home, with police saying: “To stop the spread of coronavirus we must take it seriously and stop making needless journeys.”

Under government rules introduced on Monday people can only leave the house for a limited number of reasons, including going to work where homeworking is not possible, food shopping or picking up medication.

A road block set up in Gunthorpe Ridings. Photo: Cambridgeshire police

Police have been given fines to enforce the new rules, which also include standing at least two metres away from each other and not gathering in groups of more than two.

The force carried out patrols in Bretton, Walton, Werrington, Paston, Gunthorpe, New England, Lincoln Road and the city centre yesterday (Friday) and revealed: “People are still gathering in parks, underpasses, street corners in groups. This must stop.

“Several groups were educated and dispersed from these areas.”

It added: “There has been a noticeable increase in vehicle traffic and people out and about on foot across Peterborough.

“Ask yourself ‘is my journey essential?’. If not stay at home.”

Police have been granted powers to fine people breaking the new rules up to £60, as well as arrest offenders.

The force, replying to a message on Facebook, said: “Fines are coming, but sadly it takes time to create the relevant system in order for us to process these tickets which is out of our hands. Those persons not adhering will be issued a fine.”

Meanwhile, Lincolnshire Police has revealed it is getting hundreds of calls about Covid-19, including being asked by someone if they can get their dog groomed.

The force said: “Help us to help you and keep our enquiry lines free for people who really need us.”

Coronavirus: Police begin stop checks in Peterborough as motorists sent home