THE police are stopping vehicles on their way into Brighton to check if they are complying with coronavirus lockdown guidelines.

A spokeswoman for Sussex Police said officers were performing stop checks on the A23 at Patcham to “confirm and check why people are coming in” and make sure drivers are abiding by Government rules.

These have been relaxed in England and people are now allowed to drive to other destinations, take unlimited exercise breaks, and meet one other person from a different household provided they keep two metres apart.

The Government says people can travel to outdoor open spaces no matter how far away they are.

But people are still advised to stay home wherever possible, and police have fined those who break the rules.

One driver on the A23 claimed officers had not been respecting social distancing guidelines themselves.

But the Sussex Police spokeswoman said it was not possible for officers to do so.

“Officers cannot maintain social distancing due to the nature of the job,” she said.

The spokeswoman said the measures are part of a well-publicised police operation and the patrols would continue over the weekend.