Police top list for fines
POLICE in Leicestershire have handed out more coronavirus fines than any other force in the East Midlands since lockdown began.
New figures show the county force has issued 419 fines for breach of the Covid-19 regulations since March.
This compares with Northamptonshire giving out 374 fines, Derbyshire 255, Lincolnshire 238 and Nottinghamshire 205.
Police in North Yorkshire handed out the most fines in England at 1,151 while in Staffordshire the lowest number of enforcement notices – 43 – were recorded.
The statistics released by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) cover the period from March 27 to October 19.
A total of 20,223 fines for breaching coronavirus restrictions were issued by police in England and Wales in that period.
Two-thirds of those fined were under 35 and 78 per cent were men.
Where the person fined identified their ethnicity, 80 per cent were white, 12 per cent Asian and 5 per cent black.
Large gatherings such as illegal raves and parties attracted 64 fines in England and there were 399 for breaches of the Rule of Six, that came into force on September 14.
On face coverings, 258 fixed penalties were handed out between June 15 and October 19 in England and Wales. Of these, 86 were on public transport.
Forty-seven fines were handed out to businesses in England for breaches including not closing at 10pm, not enforcing face mask rules and not sticking to table service.
NPCC chairman Martin Hewitt said: “We have seen an increase in enforcement activity in the last month, reflecting new regulations coming into effect and a shift towards quicker enforcement.
“Where people don’t listen to police officers’ encouragement then we will take action. That is our job and I believe the public expect us to do that.
“The number of instances where enforcement action is necessary at all is a small fraction of the total engagement we have had with the public.
“Enforcement doesn’t and shouldn’t always equal police involvement. Individuals, businesses and a range of agencies all have a responsibility to ensure the virus is suppressed, and police will continue to play their part.”
Leicestershire Superintendent Adam Slonecki said: “While it must be recognised the vast majority of people are adhering to the latest government guidelines, we are still receiving reports of potential breaches of the regulations.
“Our approach remains the same and we continue to engage with the public, explain the need to follow the regulations and encourage people to do so.
“However, we will take enforcement action where and when it is required.”