Decisions you make today could help save lives – that’s the blunt message this morning from Sussex Police as they urge local people to stick to the Tier 4 regulations this New Year’s Eve. 

The force says it knows that 2020 has been an difficult year and accepts that many will want to celebrate but says, “…the rules are there to protect people”.

They say it’s vital the restrictions are followed to curb the spread of the new more transmittable variant of the Coronavirus and say police officers will take enforcement action where necessary if the restructions are blatantly breached.

Chief Superintendent Julia Pope said: “Your decisions and the actions you take now could help save lives. 

“We are at an absolutely crucial stage in the pandemic where Sussex has been moved into the highest level of restrictions due to a new strain of the virus. 

“Please stick to the rules; stay in, keep celebrations small, don’t invite people round for a party, or attend gatherings of more than two people from different households outside.

“Where there are blatant breaches and reckless flouting of these regulations then we will intervene, we will be robust and we will take enforcement action.

“Please continue to work with us and help save lives – and hopefully next year things will be better.”

Eleven Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) were issued after police received reports of a house party in breach of regulations yesterday. 

Ch Supt Pope added: “This is a clear example of Sussex Police taking robust action against those flagrantly flouting restrictions and putting others at risk. 

“We’re hugely grateful to the vast majority of people who continue to do the right thing by adhering to the Tier 4 regulations to keep themselves and others safe.

“We need to protect our NHS to prevent hospitals reaching full capacity, please help us by doing the right thing.”