The Isle of Wight Council has 'no ability' to enforce new rules barring travel between Tier 4 areas and the Island, according to a statement released this morning (Sunday).
The message comes as three neighbouring mainland areas were all placed into the new Tier 4 - the highest level of coronavirus restrictions - by Government yesterday.
Islanders have taken to social media to raise concerns about the possibility of those in nearby Portsmouth, Gosport and Havant travelling to the Isle of Wight to escape the new restrictions, despite clear rules regarding travel in to and out of those areas.
Ferry operators that serve Portsmouth, Hovertravel and Wightlink, have confirmed that while they are urging customers to only undertake essential travel, they also have no power to restrict travel.
Isle of Wight MP, Bob Seely, has meanwhile asked for an increased police presence at ferry terminals.
In a statement, Isle of Wight Council Leader, Dave Stewart, said it was extremely important that Islanders followed the latest restrictions, making sure to stay local and minimise travel wherever possible.
He said:
"The rules are very clear: people must not go into Tier 4 areas unless they are travelling for essential reasons, such as work, education, caring for vulnerable people and to attend medical/hospital appointments.
"People in Tier 4 must not travel to the Isle of Wight for non-essential reasons and must not stay away overnight.
"We are already speaking to ferry operators with regards to the implications for cross-Solent travel, although neither they nor the council have the ability to enforce the no travel rule.
"We can see now the significant impact on our daily lives that a Tier 4 designation brings so we should not take our own Tier 1 freedoms for granted.
"It is vitally important everyone on the Island adheres to the new rules and continues to live with caution to #keeptheislandsafe. I would also ask that you think very carefully about your Christmas plans this year and stay local. If you had planned visitors from a Tier 4 area in your Christmas bubble then they are not allowed to visit with you.
"It’s crucial that we all take the necessary steps to protect the public’s health – particularly those who are elderly or clinically extremely vulnerable. It’s the right thing to do.
"This new strain of the virus seems to spread very quickly so we must be wary; making these sacrifices now could prevent an even larger spike of cases in January and February, keeping us all safer until we can get vaccinated.
"Our message today is clear - keep the Island safe. It needs you to make the right choice this Christmas and live within the guidelines."
The tighter restrictions come after a "dramatic increase" in infections in the South East and London where in some areas, most of the new COVID-19 cases are thought to be the new variant of the virus.
Councillor Stewart added:
"We haven't been told anything about how prevalent the new strain is in Portsmouth but I know the city council is urgently seeking this information from the government."
Councillor Stewart also reminded those intending to visit the Island over the Christmas and New Year period that their tier restrictions travelled with them and police can take enforcement action should those restrictions be breached.
He said:
"To those living in Tier 2 and 3 areas, please do not try to side-step the tighter restrictions in your area by visiting the Island for a day or night out," he said.
"If you do, you may inadvertently bring the virus in with you and increase the chance of transmission to local residents."
Tier 4 guidance can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tier-4-stay-at-home.
For further information on coronavirus on the Island, visit keeptheislandsafe.org.
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