Scottish Gov’t lifts Manchester, Salford and Bolton Travel Ban

The Scottish government has announced that the interim travel ban between Scotland and portions of northwest England will be lifted.

At midnight today, the current limits on travel between Scotland and Manchester and Salford, which went into effect on 21st June, will be relaxed.

A travel ban on Bolton, which has been in effect since 24th May, is also being lifted.

However, travel restrictions between Scotland and the Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council area will remain in effect.

According to the Scottish government, this is an important area, “continues to experience concerning case rates of the more transmissible Covid-19 Delta variant”.

The ban on non-essential travel caused a spat between Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish first minister, and Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester.

He accused Sturgeon of enacting the ban without consulting the public and demanded compensation for those who were affected by it.

He remarked in response to the loosening of restrictions: “I had serious concerns about this travel ban and the way it was introduced and I have made these concerns clear over recent days.

“I am grateful to the first minister and to the Scottish government for listening and for the decision they have announced today to lift the travel ban on Bolton, Manchester and Salford.”

Humza Yousaf , the Scottish health secretary said: “Nobody wants travel restrictions in place for any longer than is absolutely necessary.

“Placing restrictions on travel between Scotland and parts of northwest England was only taken after extremely careful consideration and analysis of data to help prevent the spread of variants of concern.

“Following a careful review of the data we have decided to ease travel arrangements between Scotland and Manchester, Salford and Bolton. However, the situation regarding Blackburn and Darwen will need to be closely monitored and will be reviewed again in a week’s time.”