Covid breach fines top 6,000 in North East

Northumbria Police has issued more than 6,000 fines for breaches of Covid-19-related laws – with fewer being handed out since restrictions eased.
Over 6,000 Covid breach finesOver 6,000 Covid breach fines
Over 6,000 Covid breach fines

Figures published by the National Police Chiefs' Council reveal a total of 6,712 fixed penalty notices were issued in the force area between March 27 last year and May 16 this.

They include 303 fines after April 18 – 705 fewer than the 1,008 processed in the previous five weeks.

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The latest figures cover the easing of restrictions on April 12, which saw the return of outdoor hospitality, non-essential retail and gyms as well as the "rule of six" outdoors.

Nationally, 120,519 fines were issued for alleged breaches of Covid-19-related laws.

Of those, 5,117 were handed out in the four weeks to May 16, down from 16,699 the month before.

NPCC chairman, Martin Hewitt, said a drop in the number of fines in recent weeks had been expected due to the lifting of restrictions but said police officers would not stop in taking action against rule-breakers.

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He added: “For the selfish minority who continue to blatantly break the rules, such as organising or attending illegal indoor gatherings, officers won’t hesitate to take necessary enforcement action."

Of the fines issued in Northumbria between March 27 last year and May 16 this year the majority – 6,538 – were recorded under legislation which covers the restriction of movement and large gatherings.

There were 146 for failing to wear a face covering when required, and 12 for breaching international travel rules.

There are also 16 fines were given for breaching self-isolation regulations.