Pressure on police over lockdown fines
DERBYSHIRE police has come under pressure to drop lockdown fines it has been handing out to people visiting local beauty spots and parks.
County police and crime commissioner Hardyal Dhindsa says he believes the force may have been too eager in its approach to handing out £200 penalties to people driving to places to take exercise. These have included Calke Abbey, Elvaston Castle and Foremark Reservoir.
The force is now reviewing its actions.
DERBYSHIRE’S police and crime commissioner has put pressure on the force to drop lockdown fines which were handed out over the weekend.
Hardyal Dhindsa says he believes the force may have been too eager in its approach to handing out fines to people exercising in local parks and beauty spots.
Mr Dhindsa joined growing criticism of the force which was at the centre of a row around fines issued to visitors exercising at Calke Abbey, Elvaston Castle and Foremark Reservoir.
The controversy centres around the lockdown definition of staying in your “local area”. Many people were caught out for driving several miles before getting out of their cars to exercise.
Assistant Chief Constable Kem Mehmet announced at the weekend that Derbyshire police would be reviewing the fixed penalty notices handed out to visitors. Now police and crime commissioner Hardyal Dhindsa has said that the force may have been too enthusiastic in how it has enforced fines.
He said: “On the face of things and based on what I have been told so far, it would appear that the force has been a little over-zealous in its interpretation of the guidance. It’s important to recognise that there are regulations and there is guidance.
“While the police can enforce the regulations, guidance is just that, which can make this a very challenging and complex situation to police.”
The National Police Chiefs’ Council has advised Derbyshire police to encourage people against breaking lockdown rules, rather than fine them.
Mr Dhindsa went on to say he had spoken to the chief constable who had assured him that an urgent review into the fines was under way.
He said: “If it transpires that these notices were issued in error then I would expect them to be rescinded.
“The vast majority of people in Derbyshire are doing their best to stick to the rapidly changing laws and follow the guidance. I thank them for that. It is essential that we all behave responsibly to curb the virus and save lives.
“I think the police are doing their best in very difficult circumstances and I expect that the force will learn from these incidents and where they are wrong they will recognise that, and work to put things right.
“I welcome the statement from the NPCC which will help operational police officers to undertake their difficult role in as balanced and proportionate a way as possible.”
The police action at the weekend included two friends who were fined £200 each after they had driven five miles from Ashby to Foremark Reservoir, near Repton, for a walk.
This, as well as the fines at Calke Abbey and Elvaston Castle prompted an outcry from Derby Telegraph readers, with many arguing that fines for journeys of just a few miles did not break stay-local rules and should not have attracted warnings or £200 fixed penalty notices. Reader Teresa Chilton described the police’s behaviour as “disgraceful” in issuing fines to walkers.
She said: “Those of us that live alone need to get out of the house and walk.
“What harm were they doing. They weren’t near to each other or anyone else. They weren’t putting anyone at risk. Not even themselves.” But there was some sympathy, as Eleanor King stuck up for police officers who are at the mercy of constantly-changing restrictions.
She said: “Why is everyone attacking the police for doing their job?
“It must be a tough enough job under normal circumstances, let alone a pandemic.”