People living in level three or level four local authorities will be breaking the law from Friday if they make non-essential journeys outside their own council area.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told MSPs Police Scotland will have the powers to enforce the new restrictions. Ms Sturgeon said officers will only use the new powers as a “last resort“.

The legislation was announced as 11 of Scotland’s 32 local authorities prepare to go into level four lockdown.

Since last month the guidance has been that people should not leave their own area unless it is for essential purposes, such as work or caring for an elderly relative.

But from Friday, the first minister confirmed the following will become law:

• People living in level three or level four must not travel outside their own council area, except for certain essential purposes;
• People living elsewhere in Scotland must not travel to level three or level four areas, except for essential purposes; and
• There must be no non-essential travel between Scotland and other parts of the UK.

A further nine local authorities are in level three.

The Scottish Government said updated travel guidance would be published ahead of the regulations being introduced on Friday.

Read Guidance