May 14, 2020 10.14 am This story is over 61 months old

At least £16k lockdown fines handed out across Lincolnshire

Fines start at £60 each and 206 have been given out so far
Police attending a barbecue on Sincil Bank, Lincoln at the beginning of lockdown

Lincolnshire Police have now handed out more than £16,000 in fines to lockdown offenders.

Police bosses said 206 fines have been handed out to those who breached coronavirus regulations brought in by the government.

Fines were set at £60, doubling with each offence, however rose to £100 for a first time offence from Wednesday, May 13, going up to a maximum of £3,200.

Under the old figures, the total fines handed out came to at least £12,360, if offenders did not pay their tickets within 14 days.

Deputy Chief Constable Jason Harwin said the majority of people continued to comply with the rules and that he felt that would continue in the face of the rules being relaxed by government this week.

“We’ve got to recognise the majority of the public will follow the advice.

“Some members of the communities are also clearly concerned the restrictions are being removed, or eased, too early.

“I think there will be a bit of a caution and fear factor by some so they’ll want to continue staying at home where they can.”

One man has been fined six times by the police so far – a total of more than £1,920.

Mr Harwin said alternative methods were being explored such as anti-social legislation, but that this had not yet taken place.

He said there would be some challenges ahead, including weekends and bank holidays, but that he hoped the situation where the majority were complying would continue.