Increased number of fixed penalty notices issued by Northamptonshire police for breaching covid-19 legislation

Northamptonshire Police was provided with £286,000 by the government to step up their enforcement of the Covid-19 legislation which saw 374 Fixed Penalty Notices issued since the end of March as cases rose across the county.

The latest statistics - released by the National Police Chief’s Council - show that over 20,000 Fixed Penalty Notices have been issued by police forces in the UK between March 27 and October 19.

Throughout the pandemic, Northamptonshire Police took the approach of prioritising speaking to the public and reminding them of covid legislation then only taking enforcement action as a last resort.

Assistant Chief Constable Simon Blatchly, said: “Throughout the pandemic we have followed an engage, explain, educate and enforce approach, where we have prioritised speaking to the public, reminding them of the legislation and only taking enforcement action as a last resort.

“However, it is clear that despite an increase in cases across Northamptonshire some people continue to ignore the regulations intended to stop the spread of this virus and so we have increased our enforcement of the Coronavirus legislation where necessary.”

Northamptonshire Police have carried out enforcement activity over the last week in areas where members of the public have raised concerns about people repeatedly failing to wear face coverings - particularly on certain bus routes and in shops.

Officers are working closely with local councils to visit business premises which have been highlighted as having repeated breaches of covid legislation and where engagement with the public alone is not working.

Assistant Chief Constable, Simon Blatchly, added: “I understand there are some people who don’t believe we should be taking action against those people who fail to follow these restrictions, however that is the job of policing as well as preserving life. These laws have been introduced to try and help contain a virus that makes some people very unwell and sadly has seen more than 45,000 lose their lives.

“I fully appreciate the frustration that people feel about the continued restrictions we face and thank those of you who have been following the rules. However, we are clearly now experiencing a second wave of cases and it is vital we all do what we can to help stop the spread of Covid-19.”

Fixed Penalty Notices issued in Northamptonshire since March include not adhering to the restriction of movement during the emergency period (264), participating in a public gathering of more than two people (57) and failing to comply with instruction (18).

Other Fixed Penalty Notices issued across the county include failing to wear a face covering on public transport (9), participating in a gathering of more than six (7) and failing to self-isolate after a positive COVID test (4).

Of those issued with Fixed Penalty Notices, 18 people in Northamptonshire appeared in Magistrates’ Court since September to challenge their fines. All of their challenges were unsuccessful.

One of these people received a fine of £400, plus £8 court costs and £32 victim surcharge.