Isle of Wight police do not have the power to prevent people travelling from one area to another - and officers won't be stopping people from doing so - as coronavirus restrictions are eased.
As of this week, the 'stay at home' message has been dropped and government guidance now advises people to 'minimise domestic travel'.
However, Hampshire Constabulary's Sarah Jackson says this is guidance only, and will therefore not be enforceable by officers.
A new joint initiative has been launched to urge people to 'travel the wight way'.
The Isle of Wight Council is reminding Islanders that although two households and up to six people can meet outside, the rules do not yet allow people to mix indoors.
It says there should be no long-distance travelling or overnight stays, which includes single households staying in a second home.
The Island visitor charter has been relaunched as part of plans. These are a set of guidelines that promote good and positive behaviours expected of visitors during their stay.
The charter, which has been updated and given a fresh new look, will be displayed prominently onboard ferries and in mainland and local terminals, as well as on Southern Vectis buses.
Supt Sarah Jackson, who oversees policing on the Island, said:
"We fully support the Island’s visitor charter as a way of reminding those visiting of key messages to help ensure everyone’s safety.
“We will not be preventing people from travelling from one area to another. The government guidance advises people to 'minimise domestic travel' — this is guidance only and will not be enforceable by the police.
"Limiting the spread of infection is a public health matter, and we will continue to work in partnership to support our health colleagues and work with businesses, government, hospitality owners, local authorities, and others to keep our communities safe.
"We will continue to maintain COVID-19 related patrols, as required, in addition to our usual resourcing. This is to address any problems that are identified to us and ensure that people are observing the restrictions that are in place at the given time to prevent the spread of the virus."
The charter has been endorsed by the Island's cross-Solent ferry operators and Visit Isle of Wight.
Will Myles, managing director of Visit IOW, said:
"Now that non-essential travel is allowed throughout the country, we aim to continue that message for visitors to the Isle of Wight and to sow the seeds of economic recovery in a safe manner."
For all of the most up to date information and advice about coronavirus and all of the support on offer, visit: www.keeptheislandsafe.org
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