CONCERNS have been raised that police officers in Hereford are needlessly putting themselves and the public at risk by not following public distancing guidelines.

Advice from the Government says people should maintain a two-metre gap between themselves and others who are not part of the household.

But as West Mercia Police officers in Hereford stop drivers to ask about their journeys, they are not keeping two metres from the driver, it is claimed.

Rowena Green, from the Golden Valley, was stopped by police on the A465 Belmont Road as she travelled to Hereford to shop at Asda.

It is one of the police where police have been stopping vehicles, and have also been seen on Aylestone Hill, between Station Approach and Folly Lane.

Hereford Times:

West Mercia Police officers have been stopping cars on the A465 Aylestone Hill. Picture: Emily Brennan

While Ms Green didn't take issue with being stopped, and said it is good that police are clamping down on unnecessary journeys, she was unhappy that the officer came up to her driver's window.

"On our way to Hereford I was stopped on the Belmont Road between Tesco and Asda, they asked why I was on the road, so I said shopping," she added.

"What concerned was how close the officer was getting to people. He was putting himself in a silly situation, and everyone else in a silly situation."

She contacted West Mercia Police in a bid to ensure officers are protecting their own safety, as well as the public's.

West Mercia Police said it will continue patrols to ensure people are travelling for valid reasons, which involves stopping vehicles.

"Officers will be in communities engaging with the public and we always appreciate a smile and a chat, although now observing social distancing," Chief Constable Anthony Bangham said.

"We are trying to engage, explain and encourage everyone to follow the advice and my officers may ask questions to establish individual circumstances as to why people are out and we will politely request that people go home if they do not have a good reason to be out and about.

"These are unusual and exceptional circumstances. We know that the vast majority of the public across West Mercia are fully supportive of the guidance and using common sense.

"However, as with all laws, a minority may wish to push the boundaries, seeking to deliberately interpret the guidance and in some cases, the law, to suit their individual circumstances. This will not be helpful and could put officers in a difficult position.

"The whole purpose of these measures is to reduce the spread of infection. We appreciate this is a step away from the normal freedoms we are all used to, but we must all play our part at keeping our communities safe, particularly the most vulnerable and those most at risk."