More than 150 Covid fines issued in first week of new lockdown
West Midlands Police officers have issued more than 150 fixed penalty notices in just one week to people flouting Covid-19 regulations.
Police says they have been working to hard to ensure the public have been following lockdown restrictions.
West Midlands Police has said that, in just one week, it has issued 155 fixed penalty notices (FPNs). It has also spoken to 3,788 people about the legislation, dispersed 179 people and arrested one person for breaking the law during the second national lockdown.
A spokesman for the force said: "Coronavirus remains a deadly disease and the restrictions in place to prevent its spread are set by the Government.
"Our approach remains the four E’s meaning that we engage with the public, explain the regulations and encourage people to follow them.
"In the minority of cases where this doesn’t happen then we have no alternative than to enforce the restrictions.
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"We continue to urge the public to follow the rules, the greater effort we can all make now to prevent the spread of the virus, the greater opportunities we may have to enjoy our festive celebrations."
Temporary assistant chief constable Claire Bell is leading the force’s response to coronavirus.
She 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."
Watch: West Midlands Police officers in action during lockdown
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.
