WEST Midlands Police has so far issued more than 150 fixed penalty notices (FPNs) to people flouting Covid-19 regulations.
In the first week of the national lockdown officers gave out 155 FPNs and dispersed 179 people with one person being arrested for not following the law.
Temporary assistant Chief Constable Claire Bell, who is leading the force’s response to Coronavirus, said: “We thank everyone who is doing their bit to help us through this pandemic and save lives. Most people are adhering to the new restrictions, we understand this is difficult however the restrictions are in place to keep us all safe.
“We will continue to police these restrictions and dangerous breaches as they are a clear public health risk.”
Under the lockdown 2.0 rules, people have been told to stay at home and non-essential shops, pubs and gyms ordered to close. Households are also banned from mixing indoors or in private gardens, unless in a support bubble.
There is a £200 fine for each breach which doubles on every offence up to a maximum of £6,400. And organisers of large gatherings face a £10,000 fine.
Police have patrolled across the region in the past week and spoken to 3,788 people advising them on the government legislation.
Coronavirus remains a deadly disease and the restrictions in place to prevent its spread are set by the Government, police say. The force continues to urge the public to follow the rules, and says the greater effort people make now to prevent the spread of the virus, the greater opportunities everyone may have to enjoy festive celebrations.
The force’s approach remains the four E’s meaning that officers engage with the public, explain the regulations and encourage people to follow them. In the minority of cases where this does not happen then police say officers have no alternative than to enforce the restrictions.
You can view a video of West Midlands Police officers in action here:
https://youtu.be/y8y1130KsIc
Fines issued under Coronavirus legislation are processed by ACRO (Criminal Records Office) on behalf of police forces in England and Wales. The funds from these payments will be distributed to local authorities in line with the legislation.
