2,200 fines issued for breaches of the lockdown laws
MORE than 2,200 fines have been issued in Wales for breaches of the coronavirus lockdown laws, according to new figures.
Of a total of 2,282 fines, the overwhelming majority have been issued by Dyfed-Powys Police.
Dyfed-Powys Police force issued a total of 1,509 penalty notices up until June 8. This is the highest number of fines issued by any force in England and Wales during the period, by more than 400.
The provisional data was released by the National Police Chiefs’ Council recently, and covers incidents between March 27 and June 8.
In Wales, the second highest number of fines was 350, issued by North Wales Police.
Meanwhile, South Wales Police issued a total of 281 fines, and Gwent Police handed out 118.
British Transport Police also issued 24 fines this side of the Welsh border, compared to 325 in England.
In England, a total of 15,715 have been issued.
The police forces to issue the highest numbers in England were Metropolitan Police (1,063), North Yorkshire Police (1,082) and Devon and Cornwall Police (948).
The NPCC said fines have been handed to people for driving with others who are not members of their household, for house parties, large gatherings and camping.
NPCC chairman Martin Hewitt said: “We’re now near to closing the month away from lockdown.
“Soon, shops will be open again, and there will be more people outdoors going about their business.
“Our approach of engaging, explaining and encouraging continues to be successful.
“A fine is issued following engagement to establish the circumstances, explanation of what the regulations are and why they’re in breach of them, and encouragement to first full stop their activity return home.”
Of course, lockdown rules for Wales and England remain dramatically different for both countries, with the latest change seeing Boris Johnson permit “support bubbles” in England.
The NPCC said most fines are still handed to young men, aged between 18 and 24, and are most likely to be given at weekends and during spells of warmer weather.
Police were given powers to break up gatherings and fine people for breaching restriction of movement rules under the Health Protection Regulations 2020, from March 27.
In Wales, fines carry penalties of £60, reduced to £30 if paid within two weeks. The fine doubles for each repeat offence up to a £960 maximum.
Higher fines have been brought in in England, starting at £100, reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.
They can rise to a maximum of £3,200 for subsequent offences. and