Region’s police hand out most fines outside of London

THE NUMBER of fines for breaches of lockdown rules has plunged since measures were eased – while one Yorkshire police force was revealed to have given out more penalties than any other force outside London.

A total of 16,947 fixed-penalty notices – 15,552 in England and 1,395 in Wales – were recorded by forces up to Monday, according to provisional data released by the National Police Chiefs’ Council.

There were 1,019 issued in England during the latest two-week period, between May 12 and 25 – although the figure is likely to be revised upwards as more fines are reported – compared to 4,967 during the previous fortnight.

Just 841 fines were handed out by forces in England since lockdown measures were eased on Wednesday May 13, with the highest number (178) during the latest period the day before.

Meanwhile, North Yorkshire Police was revealed as the force that gave out the most fines after the Metropolitan Police.

A total of 1,032 fines were issued in North Yorkshire, just three less than the capital’s force.

The police chiefs’ council said penalties had been given to people for driving with others who were not members of their household, house parties, large gatherings and camping since restrictions were relaxed.

The council’s chairman, 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 over-arching 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.”

The fines carry penalties of £60, reduced to £30 if paid within two weeks, with the fine doubled for each repeat offence, up to a maximum of £960.