A woman travelling from a Tier 3 area of England to Ceredigion to check on her horse led to a fine.

As police continue to conduct high-visibility patrols on roads across the country, officers in the Dyfed-Powys region are reiterating calls for people to only travel when necessary.

In one example of a motorist being stopped for breaching Covid-19 rules during the firebreak, officers in Ceredigion conducted spot checks on Sunday evening.

A woman from Leicester, which was in Tier 3 before England went into lockdown, had travelled to Ceredigion to visit her horse, which led to a fixed penalty notice.

Dyfed-Powys Police patrols and stop checks will continue until Sunday evening.

Supt Craig Templeton said: "Throughout the firebreak, officers have been conducting high-visibility patrols across the four counties of Dyfed-Powys.

“These have included daily road checks in key areas, which allow officers to engage with motorists and ensure that Welsh Government regulations regarding essential travel are understood and being followed.

“We have been pleased that the majority of people are adhering to the rules and appreciate these checks are part of helping keep our communities safe.

“Where people have been found making unnecessary journeys, officers have explained the current limitations and encouraged people to return home.

“Enforcement - through the issue of fixed penalty notices or FPNs - remains only a method of last resort when drivers are determined to flout the rules.

“We would like to thank everyone who has worked with us to help keep Wales safe, and remind everyone that travel restrictions remain in place until 9 November."

Speaking earlier this week on the need to follow the firebreak rules, Dyfed-Powys Police Supt Robyn Mason said: “Let’s be clear - the national firebreak measures apply to everyone in Wales. We are supporting the Welsh Government in its efforts to regain control of coronavirus across our communities, and our officers and PCSOs are being proactive to help keep us all safe.

"Our approach in the first instance is to engage with people, explain what you need to do and encourage compliance. But for those that don’t respond, we do have powers and we will use them.

“Everyone needs to understand the severity of the situation, and the potentially serious health consequences for individuals and their loved ones, which should see them complying with the regulations – without having to be issued penalties. But if they refuse to comply we will enforce.

"The success of the firebreak depends on each and every one of us playing our part. It’s simple, before going somewhere or doing something, ask yourself if it’s really necessary.”

A full explanation of Welsh Government regulations is available at https://gov.wales/coronavirus-firebreak-frequently-asked-questions