First police fines issued to lockdown rulebreakers

Lincolnshire Police has issued its first nine fines in the last week to people across the county who have ignored the government’s coronavirus guidance.

The force confirmed it had issued the fixed penalty notices in Skegness, Boston and Spalding, mainly to people gathering in groups of more than two.

However, officers said the majority had largely been following the advice to stay at home, to only make essential journeys and to keep at least two metres away from people.

Chief Inspector Stewart Brinn, one of those leading the force’s response, said: “Fining people is something we don’t want to do because we would much prefer that people followed the advice to protect themselves and others.

“However, there is nobody who can say they aren’t aware of the guidance now and we are very clear in our position – we will talk to you, we will encourage you to change your behaviour, and if you don’t we will fine you or use our powers to make you leave the area.

“There is no deviation on this – we have a duty to protect communities in Lincolnshire and we will use all the powers at our disposal to achieve that.”

Earlier this week, one officer reported attending three house parties in just six hours on Sunday, all with up to 15 people and young children present.

Some adults had told them they “just don’t care” about the rules.

Humberside Police said its officers had also issued a small number of fines and arrested rulebreakers.

It did not however disclose numbers or locations.

Under government powers if people are not complying with the lockdown rules, police may:

• instruct them to go home, leave an area or disperse
• ensure parents are taking necessary steps to stop their children breaking these rules
• issue a fixed penalty notice of £60, which will be lowered to £30 if paid within 14 days
• issue a fixed penalty notice of £120 for second time offenders, doubling on each further repeat offence

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