More than 2,500 fined for lockdown breaches in Wales

HUNDREDS of fines have been issued in South Wales for breaches of government public health regulations since lockdown started.

The 315 recorded by South Wales, together with the 128 by Gwent Police, are among the almost 20,000 fines issued across Wales and England.

Provisional data released by the National Police Chiefs’ Council show a total of 18,439 fixed penalty notices (FPNs) have been recorded in Wales and England up until June 22.

Of these, 2,583 FPNs were recorded in Wales, while 15,856 were recorded in England, from March 27 to June 22.

The majority of fines have been issued to men in the 18-34 age group, and fixed penalty notices are more likely to be given at weekends.

The highest number of fines in Wales have been issued by DyfedPowys Police, with 1,651 FPNs recorde and North Wales Police have issued 464 fines.

Police said the number of fines issued has been reducing as lockdown measures are eased.

The fines carried penalties of £60, reduced to £30 if paid within two weeks but doubling for each repeat offence up to a £960 maximum.

National Police Chiefs’ Council chairman, Martin Hewitt, said: “Since lockdown restrictions began to ease the number of fines issued has seen a sustained fall across the country.

“Our approach of engaging with the public, explaining the regulations in place and encouraging them to do the right thing will continue.

“Officers have used their common sense and discretion to take in to account people’s individual circumstances. We will only enforce as a last resort, against those who are in clear breach of the regulations.

“As restrictions ease further from the July 4 in England, it is important for everyone to take more personal responsibility for their safety by continuing to follow official advice and government regulations. Limiting the spread of the virus should still be everyone’s priority.”

National chairman of the Police Federation, John Apter, warned the UK Government’s announcement about easing lockdown in England on July 4 could be “a countdown to party time”.

He said: “This leads to issues that the police will have to deal with.

“Firstly, of course, there are worries about alcohol consumption leading to drunken and irresponsible behaviour, and there’s also the concern that people who can’t get into pubs because of restrictions that are still in place may cause conflict.”