No ‘Rule of Six’ fines issued by police force

NO fines were issued over breaches of the Rule of Six by Humberside Police in the first week of the new law.

The move making any gathering of more than six people illegal in England was introduced on September 14 because of a surge coronavirus infections.

Under the new law, anyone gathering in groups of more than six people indoors or outdoors risks a £100 fixed penalty notice.

Exemptions included weddings, funerals and some organised sports events.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister

Boris Johnson announced the penalty was being doubled to £200 as part of a raft of a new measures aimed at curbing the virus.

Anyone not wearing a mask when required to do so will also face a £200 fine.

Initially, Humberside Police chiefs said issuing fines for Rule of Six breaches would only happen as a “last resort”.

Speaking ahead of the new rules being introduced, Assistant Chief Constable Paul Anderson, pictured, said: “As the new law limiting gatherings to six people both indoors and outdoors comes into force, I am confident that our communities will continue to follow the rules and help to limit the spread of the virus.

“Throughout the pandemic, our policing approach has always been to engage with people and explain, providing encouragement to adhere to the rules and as a last resort, use enforcement.”

A spokesperson confirmed that had been the case during the first seven days of the Rule of Six with no fines issued across the force area.