Police give out fines in Tayside and Fife

Some 144 fines were handed out by police – including four in Fife and one in Tayside – in the first six days of new coronavirus legislation.

People were served fixed penalty notices for flouting laws introduced to protect the public during the pandemic.

In Aberdeen, six people were fined when police broke up a house party and in Paisley three men in a van who said they had no intention of adhering to the rules were penalised.

Police now have the power to enforce social distancing and testing of those suspected of infection with Covid-19.

They can also close events, gatherings, premises and businesses where advice is being flouted.

Fines of £60 can be issued. Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said the vast majority of people were adhering to the government’s advice and warned officers will take action where people fail to do so.

He said: “People recognise that it is their duty to adhere to these guidelines to protect their fellow citizens, ease the strain on the health service, and collectively save lives.

“Everyone must contribute to the national effort to respond to the coronavirus outbreak and I am grateful to the vast majority who have made significant changes to their daily habits and routines.

“The Police Service of Scotland will continue to play its part, engaging with people, establishing their individual circumstances and explaining the risks to public health of failing to comply with guidance.

“Officers and the public must take a common sense approach to this unique emergency.

“We will always encourage compliance but, as a last resort, we will use the enforcement powers which are in place.”

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Everyone should be staying at home wherever possible and I am hugely encouraged by the high levels of compliance around the country after the first week of these rules being in force.

“While Police Scotland have powers of enforcement, I expect that these will be used only as a last resort, and that the vast majority of people will use their common sense and play a full part in this countrywide effort.”