Police lock down on range of road users as border restrictions limit interstate travel

John Cranwwell  TBW Newsgroup
NO PROBLEMS: Mount Gambier keen cyclist John Cranwell is all smiles after passing through the checkpoint yesterday. Picture: SANDRA MORELLO

John Cranwwell TBW Newsgroup
NO PROBLEMS: Mount Gambier keen cyclist John Cranwell is all smiles after passing through the checkpoint yesterday. Picture: SANDRA MORELLO

MOUNT Gambier cyclist John Cranwell yesterday pedalled through a state border check point on the city’s eastern gateway following the lock-down of non-essential travel between the two states.

The keen cyclist was among hundreds of people stopped by police following border movements being restricted due tough new COVID-19 measures.

While heavy transport appeared to flow through the checkpoint, every car, vehicle, motorists and cyclist was stopped by police.

Travellers who now enter South Australia must now identify a suitable residence and self-quarantine for 14 days.

The check point on Jubilee Highway East is one of 12 main checking points across the state.

Exemptions are being made for essential travel, such as those heading to work.

Speaking to The Border Watch after passing through the checkpoint, Mr Cranwell revealed police officer asked him whether he travelled from Victoria.

“The furthest I went was Yahl and around the district,” Mr Cranwell said.

He said he understood the need to check people’s movement due to the COVID-19 travel lock-down.

But Mr Cranwell said he was a bit perplexed why the checkpoint was not at the SA-Victorian border or at Glenburnie.

“Because if you come from the border, there are a lot of turn-offs between it and Mount Gambier,” he said.

He said if police had told him had to isolate he would to protect the community.