Call to increase fines for the flouters

CALLS are being made for the Welsh Government to do a U-turn and increase fines for those breaking coronavirus travel restrictions.

It comes after an opinion poll came out overwhelmingly in favour of the idea.

More than 90% of those who took part in the survey conducted by North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones backed his call for a big hike in the penalty for flouting the rules.

Last week the Welsh Government rejected calls by Mr Jones and Dafydd Llywelyn, his counterpart in Dyfed Powys to introduce heavier fines.

The call came after Prime Minister Boris Johnson caused anger and confusion when he eased the travel restrictions in England sparking fears of an influx of people into Wales where the lockdown remains in place and where people can only take exercise in the vicinity of their own homes.

Mr Jones launched the poll “out of frustration” after seeing a tweet from a North Wales Police officer which said: “I had one guy from Liverpool laugh at me and said me that a £30 fine is only like a parking ticket...What else can I say.”

The commissioner retweeted it and tagged in First Minister, saying: “Hey @MarkDrakeford @ fmwales you want evidence to increase fines, how about this from a North Wales Police officer?”

Fines for people who breach the travel restrictions start at £60 and go up to £120 for repeat offenders, although the amount can be reduced to £30 if the penalty is paid within 14 days.

Around 2,000 people took part in the poll and 91% were in favour on increasing the penalty, with 65% opting for a fine of £500.

Another 15% wanted the fine to increase to £250.