Officers will not be stationed at the Kent-Sussex border to prevent residents from flouting newly-imposed travel bans, police chiefs have revealed.

Boris Johnson announced yesterday that under the tougher coronavirus restrictions, people must not enter or leave Tier 4 areas.

But forces in Kent and Sussex have confirmed they will not be monitoring movements between the counties.

Kent is in Tier 4 while most of Sussex is in Tier 2, with Hastings and Rother being among the few in the county to have been placed in the highest bracket.

They insist they will still enforce the travel ban - but say their "response to Covid-related matters is far wider than just the border".

Kent Police's Chief Supt Mark Nottage said: "We will continue to police in the way we have since March.

"We will continue to police in a sensible, proportionate and fair manner, and ask that everyone continues to take personal responsibility for controlling the spread of the virus.

"In most situations, we resolve breaches without having to issue a fine.

"Where people refuse to listen and comply – and are putting everyone at risk – we will take robust enforcement action."

Before yesterday's announcement, the force had already dished out a number of fines to individuals travelling between tiers without a reasonable excuse.

But Chief Supt Nottage stresses that most people have adhered to the rules.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for Sussex Police warned officers across the border may immediately fine residents for "reckless or deliberate breaches" of the restrictions.

He added: "We are not policing the border between tiers specifically.

In most situations, we resolve breaches without having to issue a fine" - Chief Supt Mark Nottage

"Our response to Covid-related matters is far wider than just the border and we are encouraging the public to follow the guidance and do the right thing.

"We continue to ask people to take personal responsibility for their actions and to follow the government’s restrictions.

"The majority of the public in Sussex have done this throughout the year, and we are confident they will continue to do so."

With Kent now in Tier 4, residents are prohibited from staying overnight away from home and can only meet one person from another household in an outdoor space.

And over Christmas they will not be able to mix with anyone outside their households.

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