POLICE Scotland has said "there is no truth" to rumours that officers have routinely stopped vehicles at Scotland's border with England.

During the Scottish Government's coronavirus media briefing Health Secretary Jeane Freeman was asked about reports of people being stopped by police at the border.

She said she was unable to comment on operational matters but stressed people need to know the restrictions and exemptions.

People living in level three or level four areas in Scotland should only leave their council areas if it is deemed "essential" such as work or school, moving house, attending a wedding or funeral and providing or receiving childcare.

READ MORE: 37 more lives lost to Covid in Scotland, Jeane Freeman confirms at briefing

Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said: "We are asking people to take personal responsibility to do the right thing and remember the purpose of these measures is to aid the collective effort to protect the NHS and save lives by preventing the virus from spreading.

"As we have consistently said throughout the pandemic, the vast majority of the public have been complying with the regulations.

"People have been exceptionally quick to act when new restrictions are introduced. The mandatory wearing of face coverings in shops is evidence of this. Scotland is, generally, a law-abiding nation and I fully expect that public support to continue as these new measures are introduced.

"Therefore, the policing approach we adopted from the outset of the pandemic will not change. Our officers will continue to engage with the public, explain the legislation and guidance, and encourage compliance. We will use enforcement as a last resort where there is a clear breach of the legislation.

He went on: "The Chief Constable has said publicly on numerous occasions that we will not be routinely stopping vehicles or setting up road blocks, and that will not change as a result of travel restrictions now being in law.

"However, officers may in the course of their duties come across people who are travelling from one local authority area to another. In areas where travel restrictions apply, officers will continue to use the common sense, discretion and excellent judgement that they have applied since the crisis began."

READ MORE: Covid travel restrictions: Police Scotland issue more than 30 fines

The force was unable to provide details about the 33 fixed penalty fines given during the first five days of the travel restrictions.

The statistics for fixed penalty notices linked to the travel regulations, cover the period from 6pm last Friday to Wednesday.

Nine fines were handed out in the Lothians and Scottish Borders, while Greater Glasgow and Lanarkshire both recorded eight offences.