Police will be able to “instruct” people to go home, leave an area or disperse under new laws that will come into effect today under the Government’s Emergency legislation which have been published.
Fines can be imposed,a fixed penalty which is £30 if paid within 14 days, then rising to £60 while second time offenders face a fine of £120. Refusal to pay will see prosecutions in magistrates court who can impose unlimited fines.
The Home Office said: “If an individual continues to refuse to comply, they will be acting unlawfully, and the police may arrest them where deemed proportionate and necessary.
“However, in the first instance the police will always apply their common sense and discretion.”
