Boris Johnson renegotiated controls imposed on travel in the UK this week following his nationwide address on Sunday. The Prime Minister said people may now drive for extended periods and take part in “unlimited” exercise from Wednesday this week.

Can you travel to Wales from England?

In his address on Sunday, the Prime Minister opened up the UK’s roads and households after more than a month on lockdown.

He said from Wednesday people can enjoy extended time outdoors in the spring weather and drive as much as they wish.

However, his easement applies strictly to England, as Scotland and Wales have their own devolved rules.

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The Scottish and Welsh Governments have chosen to continue on in lockdown while the Prime Minister releases some of England’s measures.

In Wales, local government still prohibits travel beyond their local area, even to exercise.

As such, Welsh officials have those living in England not to make the trip over the border.

Speaking to BBC Wales, Counsel General and Member of the Senedd Jeremy Miles said they were not “permitting” people to travel to destinations in Wales via car.

He said: “I want to be really clear about this. The position in Wales is very different from the position in England in relation to that.

“Our regulations do not permit people to get in their cars and drive to destinations in Wales and this includes people getting in their cars in England. We are not permitting that in Wales.”

Officials said they would fine anyone attempting to enter the country from England.

Mr Miles said “anyone” breaking local rules would receive a fine.

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He added: “The police absolutely have power to do that.

“The rules in Wales do not permit people to get in their cars and travel long distances for leisure purposes so if anyone does that the police has powers to fine them for doing so.”

Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford is amongst public figures who have launched scathing criticism at Boris Johnson’s coronavirus measures.

Speaking on Monday, the minister said he believed the Prime Minister hadn’t “got it right”.

He said: “I think we’ve got it right in Wales and I don’t think they’ve got it right over the border.

“The further people go, the more the virus will spread.

“I have huge sympathy with people who have loved ones over the border.

“It’s part of the sacrifice we are all making, but we’re making it for a good reason.”

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