Police use coronavirus checkpoints and DRONES to spot-check drivers and stop non-essential travel

POLICE today launched coronavirus checkpoints - even using DRONES to spot-check drivers and walkers to stop non-essential travel.

Cops across the UK have been asking drivers where they are going and why they are going there.

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They are reminding drivers of the message to stay at home during the coronavirus crisis.

Derbyshire Police even released drone footage, calling out people going on "non-essential" trips including walks to beauty spots.

Road checks were seen across the UK including in Devon, Harrogate and York, where officers quizzed drivers on their journeys and whether they were "essential".

It comes as cops were handed new powers to fine Brits up to £1000 for breaking rules for being outside their homes from TODAY.

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In other developments

• The UK death toll from coronavirus hit 477 after 12 more people died in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
• More than 500,000 people have signed up to help the NHS through the coronavirus crisis
• A coronavirus symptom tracker suggests 6.6m Brits have the virus
• The death toll in the US has gone over 1,000
• Experts predict cases of the virus will peak by Easter in the UK
• A schoolgirl who showed no signs of coronavirus tests positive
• Covid-19 vaccines could be available within six months

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Road blocks have been set up today in Plymouth, Devon and in Cornwall, with 150 cars checked in Penzance, Hayle and St Ives.

Police in Plymouth shared a photo of their road block on Twitter.

In Cornwall, officers shared news of the stops on the Facebook page Penzance Police.

They wrote: "Essential journey? Driving to exercise at another location is NOT an essential journey!

"Yesterday we stopped and checked over 150 vehicles in the Penzance, Hayle and St Ives area.

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"Drivers were asked if their journey was essential. We will continue to carry out these checks because, like you, we want to keep Cornwall safe.

"Please share and let's keep travel to an absolute minimum."

North Yorkshire Police also announced they were introducing checkpoints today.

Assistant Chief Constable Mike Walker said: "The new and significant restrictions announced by the Prime Minister on Monday evening spell out very clearly what each and every one of us must do to save lives. The message is clear and the warning stark. Stay at home, save lives.

"These are the lives of the people we know and love. Our partners, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, children, grandparents.

"You may never be in such a position again where your simple actions will lead directly to saving lives."

The force said the checkpoints would be unannounced and could appear anywhere any time.

'NOT A HOLIDAY'

Earlier this week, Metropolitan Police officers were seen clearing Shepherd's Bush Green of sunbathers on the first day of the UK-wide coronavirus lockdown.

One officer could be heard saying: "Can you all go home please. It's not a holiday, it's a lockdown."

Police were seen out in force in Greenwich Park today - as the government said people who continue to flout lockdown rules will be breaking the law and could be arrested by police under new public health regulations.

Officers will aim to slow the spread of coronavirus by asking people to go indoors and will be authorised to use force if they refuse.

The base rate for the fine is £60, which is then reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days.

Several of the same offences will see the charges soar, with Brits hit with a £960 fine for not doing their bit.

Those who keep disobeying can be arrested and locked up.

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It comes as the UK death toll from coronavirus hit 477 after 12 more people died in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland today.

The Government said it expects 10,000 coronavirus tests per day to be carried out by the end of this week - despite testing just 6,643 on Wednesday.

They include the Prince of Wales, who is self-isolating in Scotland after testing positive with what Clarence House described as "mild symptoms".

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Joggers take a break from staying at home during the UK lockdown