Kentish Express Ashford & District
Fines spike after rules are relaxed
The highest number of lockdown fines were imposed days after new advice was issued on returning to work, it has been revealed.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Sunday, May 10, that people should go back to work - if they could not work from home - from the following Wednesday but was criticised for being unclear. He clarified his statement the following day.
Two days after his speech 178 fines were handed out in England. Since Wednesday, May 13, 841 more fines have been imposed bringing the total to 15,552 up to May 25.
In Kent, nine more fines have been handed out since May 13, bringing the total to 125.
Government public health regulations introduced on March 27 enable officers to issue individuals with fines if they failed to comply after officers have explained the risks to public health and encouraged voluntary compliance.
From May 13, the minimum fine in England was also increased from £60 to £100, reducing if paid within 14 days. The upper limit for fines also increased from £960 to £3,200.
National Police Chiefs’ Council chair Martin Hewitt said: “As restrictions are carefully eased, the public have been able to go about their business in greater numbers and with greater flexibility.
“The collective public effort over the past two months has meant police officers have only rarely had to step in to enforce regulations and even less so in the past few weeks. I am confident the vast majority will continue to act responsibly.
We will be issuing guidance to officers on how to approach new changes to the regulations in the coming days.
“The overarching aim of the police response has always been to keep people as safe as possible and encourage them to follow the regulations, thereby reducing the transmission of the virus. We will continue to play our part and are grateful for all of the positive engagement we have had with the public to date.”
The majority of fines continue to be issued to males aged 18-24. Fines have been more likely to be given at weekends, taking in to account the recent bank holidays and during periods of warmer weather.
In England, since restrictions were eased, fines have been issued for reasons such as driving with non-household members, house parties, large gatherings of people from different households and camping.
Mr Hewitt added: “There is still a responsibility on us all to abide by the regulations and to follow public health guidance as best we can when out and about. Throughout this pandemic, officers have only enforced as a last resort.”