POLICE Scotland is doubling its presence along the Border with “high visibility patrols” on roads connecting Scotland and England while extra transport officers will be deployed at stations to crackdown on people flouting a strict travel ban.

The moves come as the First Minister said she would be asking the force how enforcement of the ban would be stepped up as she announced mainland Scotland would be placed on the highest level 4 Covid restrictions from Boxing Day in a bid to prevent a new highly infectious strain of the virus taking hold.

Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said officers’ deployment on the highways will be used to “deter anyone who might be considering breaching the coronavirus travel restrictions”.

An existing travel ban between Scotland and the rest of the UK was due to ease from December 23 to December 27 but will now remain in place throughout the Christmas holidays due to fears over the new virus strain which is 70% more infectious than previous strains.

Some 17 cases of the new coronavirus variant have been recorded in Scotland to date, mostly in the Glasgow area.

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In a statement released yesterday, Livingstone said it would not be “appropriate or proportionate for officers to establish checkpoints or roadblocks to simply enforce travel restrictions”.

But he added: “Today, I have authorised the doubling of our operational presence in the Border areas of Scotland. These highly visible patrols will be proactively deployed on our road networks to continue our operational activity to ensure drivers and vehicles are in a fit condition to drive.

“The patrols will also deter anyone who might be considering breaching the coronavirus travel restrictions.”

He said he expects roads to be “quieter than usual over the coming days”.

“We have been clear throughout this public health crisis that your police service is here to support our collective effort to combat coronavirus. Though the rules have changed often and, at times, quickly, officers and staff will continue with common sense, empathy and discretion to work with our fellow citizens to help keep everyone safe.

“It is the consent of the public from which policing in Scotland draws its legitimacy. As our communities expect, where officers encounter wilful, persistent or flagrant breaches we will act decisively to enforce the law.”

Boris Johnson also placed London and most of the south east of England under the toughest tier 4 curbs there amid fears the new mutation was responsible for an increasing number of infections.

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With the new lockdown for London coming into force at 7am yesterday crowds of people flocked to stations to try to get out of the English capital before the new restrictions came into force.

John Lamont, Scottish Conservative MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, hit out over the increased police presence on the border.

He said: “The Scottish Government and Police Scotland need to ensure clarity around travel restrictions to avoid any public misunderstanding.

“Clearly this virus does not respect borders but a range of exemptions have always been in place to allow safe and necessary travel for valid reasons, and we need to know if that has changed.”

British Transport Police (BTP) announced an enhanced presence of officers at stations across the network from yesterday after updated restrictions were brought in and said the policing approach will be the same for those travelling in or to and from out Scotland.

Assistant Chief Constable Sean O’Callaghan said: “The advice is clear, and we are confident the large majority of people will abide by the restrictions in place.

“As has been the case throughout the pandemic, officers will be supporting rail staff through high-visibility patrols across England, Scotland and Wales, ensuring those on the network are safe. Our policing method remains the same – officers will engage with passengers and only use enforcement if absolutely necessary.

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“Anyone planning a journey over the festive period is urged to consider whether travelling is essential and encouraged to stay at home as per latest Government advice.

“This is a difficult time for all of us, but these restrictions are in place to save lives, stop the spread of the virus and support the NHS.”

There are exemptions to the travel ban including travelling for work, education and caring duties.

“People living near the Border can also cross to get food or medical care should the nearest shop or doctor be in England.