AUTHORITIES are clamping down on people in Denbighshire car sharing to and from work.

A joint operation between Denbighshire Council's Trading Standards department and officers from North Wales Police (NWP) was recently carried out in the Denbigh and Ruthin areas.

The aim was to provide advice in relation to the spreading of the Covid virus between those car sharing to and from work. People from different households are being told they must avoid car sharing unless there is absolutely no alternative.

Advice from the Department for Transport says: "You must not share the car with someone from outside your household or your support bubble unless your journey is undertaken for an exempt reason. For example, if car sharing is reasonably necessary as part of your work."

Drivers and passengers should all wear face masks unless they have a medical reason not to, and car windows should be kept open to maintain good ventilation. Anyone who is car sharing is also advised to sit as far apart as possible from other passengers, avoid any physical contact to lessen the risk of transmission.

Sgt Peter Evans from, NWP Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: ‘Working in partnership with our colleagues from Denbighshire County Council, we were able to provide advice and free face masks to those in need.

"We understand there are some circumstances in which you have no other choice than to care share; all we ask is please keep yourself and others safe by continuing to wear a face covering."

Cllr Mark Young, Denbighshire Council’s lead member for planning, public protection and safer communities, said: “We worked closely with North Wales Police on this action and the majority of those stopped were very open to advice and guidance and were happy to ensure compliance by wearing facemasks.

“We would like to take this opportunity to remind people that in situations where there is absolutely no alternative to car share, face masks must be worn unless you have a medical reason not to.

“Further operations are planned to take place within the county in the coming weeks.”