Thousands not paying virus rule breach fines

Senior police officers say they expect a surge in the number of lockdown fines - despite thousands of penalty notices already issued going unpaid.

National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) chairman Martin Hewitt said that, as new regulations are brought in, forces are expecting the number of fines issued to increase.

This came as figures showed that, of 18,646 enforcement letters sent out in England and Wales, 9,428 resulting fines had been paid, while 9,413 had not.

These include some people who are formally contesting their fine, while others who have not paid will be considered for prosecution.

Mr Hewitt said :" We anticipate there will bean increase as regulations are introduced in different parts of the country.

"Every individual has the right to decide not to pay that fine and elect to go to court and plead their case."

Data published by the NPCC also showed that hundreds of travellers suspected of breaking quarantine rules had not been traced.

Up to September 22, more than 4,000 cases were referred to police by health authorities.

That included 240 where people were found not to live at the address they had given, and 440 cases where there was no answer.

He added: "Thank you to the vast majority of the public for sticking to the rules and following the guidance in place to limit the spread of the virus.

"A small minority, however, are not following the rules, and are making decisions which put lives at risk.

“They should expect to have enforcement action taken against them."