‘Absolutely crazy’ tier system in Bristol region will cause ‘considerable’ problems, campaigner warns

A transport campaigner has warned that the Covid-19 tiers in the Bristol area will create “considerable” problems for authorities as people inevitably move around the city region.

Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire moved into tier three when the lockdown lifted on Thursday, December 2.

But Bristol’s only other direct neighbour, Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES), moved into tier two. Together, the four local authorities form a common economic and travel-to-work area.

But people are not meant to leave their tier area without good reason, and must “take their tier with them” if travelling from a higher to a lower tier area.

David Redgewell, from South West Transport Network and Railfuture Severnside, called the exclusion of B&NES from tier three “absolutely crazy” this week, and asked what plans were in place to stop people travelling there to take advantage of the looser restrictions.

He cited the attraction of pubs, restaurants, gyms and leisure facilities in Bath, Keynsham and Whitchurch for rule breakers from tier three potentially carrying coronavirus.

“Unlike Manchester, where the tiers are all the same, or in Liverpool city region, we have two tiers now in our city region,” Redgewell told a committee of Bristol councillors on Monday, November 30.

“This is going to cause a considerable amount of problems for the British Transport Police, the Avon and Somerset Police, neither of which were consulted, and the Covid marshalls.

“You’re not supposed to leave tier three to go into tier two, and vice versa, so it means to say there’s a danger because pubs and restaurants are open in Bath & North East Somerset with ‘substantial food’ that people can travel across the border (to get).

“And there’s a number of websites that have been set up telling people where to go, which pubs, which restaurants, even ones right on the city council boundary.

“The worry is this will spread the virus into B&NES at a very high level. We’re in danger of overflowing the RUH (Royal United Hospital) with Covid as much as we are the BRI (Bristol Royal Infirmary), Weston (General Hospital) and Southmead Hospital.”

The BRI has seen a stark increase in cases admitted. Photo: Martin Booth

Redgewell asked members of the overview and scrutiny management board what plans were in place with Avon and Somerset Police, British Transport Police, the public transport network and Covid marshals in Bristol, B&NES and South Gloucestershire to prevent people crossing the border without good reason.

The board was not in a position to answer Redgewell’s question during their public meeting. But it appears that the authorities can do little more than advise people against crossing council borders unnecessarily as the guidance is not legislation that can be enforced.

In a joint statement, the directors of public health at B&NES Council, Bristol City Council, North Somerset Council and South Gloucestershire Council, said: “Local authorities across the region have been working together since the beginning of the pandemic to share messages with residents that explain the guidance and signpost people to the latest Covid-19 information and support.

“As the country enters the new three-tier system, councils are explaining the rules and encouraging everyone to follow the new guidance.

“Where marshals, Covid Safety Officers and Covid Engagement Officers are available they will advise people of the current rules in place. Leaders across the region continue to urge residents to reduce the number of journeys they make wherever possible and follow the guidance appropriate to their tier.”

Covid-19 marshals are working in Bristol. Photo: Bristol City Council

A spokesperson for British Transport Police said:  “As has been the case throughout the pandemic our officers will continue to be highly-visible, patrolling services and stations on the rail network.  Officers will continue supporting rail staff in reminding those who do need to travel to wear face coverings.

“We hope that the public will continue to act responsibly and play their part in helping to protect themselves, and each other, by following the guidance and restrictions set out by the Government, as well as complying with the requirement to wear face coverings.”

A spokesperson from Avon and Somerset Police has said: “Under the new tier system, outlined by the Government, people living in tier three areas are advised not to travel into or out of their area, unless the travel is necessary.

“The same advice applies to those living in tier two in relation to travelling into areas designated as tier three. This is guidance and not legislation.

“We would urge all residents to comply with this guidance in place to stop the spread of Covid-19 – a deadly disease which has already claimed the lives of more than 57,000 people.”

Amanda Cameron is a local democracy reporter for Bristol.

Main photo of David Redgwell: Ellie Pipe

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