20,223 fines for breaching coronavirus restrictions were issued by police in England and Wales between March 27 and October 19 figures released this afternoon by the the National Police Chiefs’ Council.
These include 980 for breaches of local lockdown laws – with the majority issued by the Greater Manchester (374) and Northumbria (366) police forces
64 FPNs have been issued relating to holding a gathering of more than thirty people in England, and two in Wales.
These include but are not limited to unlicensed music events, protests and private parties, and carry a £10,000 penalty.
399 FPNs were issued under the ‘Rule of Six’ in England, effective from Monday 14 September.
258 FPNs were issued between 15 June and 19 October for breaches of the Face Coverings Regulations across England and Wales.
86 of these fines were issued against the regulations concerning wearing a face covering on public transport, across nine forces (including British Transport Police in England and Wales).
172 fines were issued against regulations concerning the wearing a face covering in a relevant place, such as a retail setting, across twenty one forces (including British Transport Police in England and Wales).
National Police Chiefs’ Council Chair Martin Hewitt said:
“It is crucial that people do everything they can, including limiting social contact, to reduce the spread of Coronavirus. As infection numbers continue to rise to alarming levels, personal choices matter and we’re asking the public to act responsibly.
“Thank you to the vast majority of the public for sticking to the rules and following the guidance in place to limit the spread of the virus. A small minority, however, are not following the rules, and are making decisions which put lives at risk.
“We have seen an increase in enforcement activity in the last month, reflecting new regulations coming into effect, and a shift towards quicker enforcement against those knowingly breaking the rules. Where people don’t listen to police officers’ encouragement then we will take action. That is our job and I believe the public expect us to do that.”
Martin Hewitt added:
“Coronavirus is something we have all had to rapidly adapt to, and officers have had to pick up new regulations in a record pace, and apply them across the population. The number of instances where enforcement action is necessary at all is a small fraction of the total engagement we have had with the public.
“Enforcement doesn’t and shouldn’t always equal police involvement. Individuals, businesses and a range of agencies all have a responsibility to ensure the virus is suppressed, and police will continue to play their part.”
