County cops will not enforce two-metre distancing rule

POLICE will not enforce two-metre social distancing under the revised lockdown rules – Staffordshire’s top cop has announced.

Chief Constable Gareth Morgan says the two-metre rule is government guidance, rather than the law, and therefore not something officers can enforce.

While they can take action when people breach the law, or the Health Protection Regulations – if three or more people from different households gather together, for example – they will not step in to ensure people are keeping two metres apart in queues, shops or on public transport.

Mr Morgan says it is therefore vital that members of the public take ‘personal responsibility’ to ensure they keep themselves and others safe.

He said: “The efforts of the public over the past seven weeks have meant police officers have rarely had to enforce the government regulations here in Staffordshire – thank you.

“I am confident the vast majority will continue to do their bit and follow the revised guidance.

“The threat of infection has not gone away. These changes are incremental and the overriding public health message remains that people should stay home as much as possible.

“It is vitally important that we remember that, as police officers, we enforce the law, not guidance. For example, social distancing is guidance and it is not enforceable in these regulations.

Up until April 27, officers had only issued 28 lockdown fines in Staffordshire – the second lowest number in the country.