THERE have been police checks at Barry Island due to an increase in visitors over the festive period - despite Wales currently being in lockdown.

South Wales Police said they will be utilising additional powers to conduct random vehicle checks over the Christmas period, following the Welsh Government move to place the whole of Wales under Alert Level 4 coronavirus restrictions.

Under Alert Level 4, the public are expected to stay at home and not travel without a reasonable excuse. The restrictions will be relaxed for Christmas Day, when the public will be permitted to travel to mix with one other household.

Officers have been given authority to stop any vehicle travelling within the force area and checks will be conducted to ascertain the reason for travel.

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he power came in to force at 7am on Tuesday, December 22 and will be reviewed on Monday, January 4.

A spokeswoman for South Wales Police said: "Some of the Vale of Glamorgan’s beauty spots have attracted large numbers of visitors in recent days, and we are continuing to work with our local authority partners to monitor the situation.

"We have additional patrols in such areas, including Barry Island and Ogmore-by-Sea, and our officers will continue to engage with the public to remind them of current Alert Level 4 coronavirus legislation and guidance.

"Officers also have the power to conduct random vehicle stop-checks in order to encourage and ensure compliance with the regulations."