A THREE tier system for local down restrictions is expected to be announced by Boris Johnson later today in a bid to simplify rules - but what will this mean for holidaymakers?

Local lockdowns are in place across large parts of the North-East, including County Durham, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Gateshead, Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Sunderland.

But currently, residents of these towns and cities can still go on holiday to other areas in England.

People still cannot mix households, so trips should only be taken with those you live with or have formed a support bubble with. The same applies to socialising indoors, including when staying in holiday cottages, apartments, hotels or similar accommodation.

But this is expected to change in an announcement later today. The Prime Minister will announce a three-tier system to simplify lockdown rules but only the most severe is expected to have restrictions on travel. 

Tier 1 restrictions are expected to be similar to the rules currently in place in Darlington, Stockton and Redcar and will see the ‘rule of six’ and other national social distancing measures remain in place.

Tier 2 restrictions will be as per the rules currently in place in Middlesbrough and Hartlepool, with the exception that two households will be able to meet in a private garden, up to a maximum of people in line with the ‘rule of six’ and other social distancing measures. 

The more severe tier 3 restrictions are expected to run in four-week blocks. Pubs and bars will be required to close and no household mixing will be allowed for socialising either indoors or outdoors. 

No overnight stays will be allowed outside of the tier 3 restricted area for residents, and no overnight stays will be allowed within the restricted area for those living outside it.

Travel will only be allowed outside the tier 3 area for essential reasons, but schools, colleges and retail will all remain open.

This could be applied to the likes of Newcastle given case rates, but North of Tyne Mayor Jamie Driscoll said his area will not be put under the highest level of restrictions.

Downing Street said the Government is working with local leaders to determine which tier areas will fall into. 

The Prime Minister will address the British public in a live TV broadcast at 6pm but will address Commons earlier in the afternoon.