Northumbria Police issue nearly 300 virus breach fines

Northumbria Police have handed out nearly 300 fine to people breaking coronavirus restrictions since the pandemic began, according to new figures.
Northumbria Police have issued nearly 300 virus breach finesNorthumbria Police have issued nearly 300 virus breach fines
Northumbria Police have issued nearly 300 virus breach fines

Data published by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) shows 278 fixed penalty notices were issued by the force between March 27 and September 21 – with none in the last month.

In total, 18,912 lockdown fines have been issued in England and Wales so far, though just 151 of these occurred in the five weeks to September 21.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

NPCC chairman Martin Hewitt said: “It is crucial that people do everything they can, including limiting social contact, to reduce the spread of coronavirus. The country is at a critical point, and personal choices will matter in the weeks and months to come.

“Thank you to the vast majority of the public for sticking to the rules and following the guidance in place to limit the spread of the virus.

"A small minority, however, are not following the rules, and are making decisions which put lives at risk – they should expect to have enforcement action taken against them.”

Police forces can issue a £60 penalty, reduced to £30 if paid within two weeks, for breaches of the lockdown rules.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Separate data published by the NPCC shows no fines have yet been recorded by Northumbria Police for people failing to self-isolate after returning from a country on the Government's quarantine list.

Northumbria Police have also not given out any fines to people for failing to wear a face covering on public transport or in shops, with 89 elsewhere in England and Wales.