Major fall in Covid fines but police urge people to keep following rules

West Mercia Police has issued more than 2,500 fines for breaches – but far fewer have been handed out since restrictions eased.

Human rights campaign groups say rapidly changing rules and "chaotic communications" have led to confusion over the fine system nationally, with some people unaware they were breaking the law.

Figures published by the National Police Chiefs' Council reveal a total of 2,666 fixed penalty notices were issued by West Mercia Police between March 27 last year and May 16 this year.

They include just six fines handed out after April 18 – 484 fewer than the 490 processed in the previous five weeks.

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.

However, they do not cover the May 17 reopening which saw different households allowed to mix indoors for the first time in months.

Chief Inspector Jessica Loxley-Clark, of West Mercia Police, said: “April marked the start of a significant step along the roadmap out of lockdown and as such, with the restrictions being further lifted, the number of fines being processed has gone down.

“West Mercia Police has, together with other forces across the country, continued to follow the four Es approach to policing the coronavirus regulations of Engage, Explain, Encourage and where necessary Enforce.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the majority of people who have abided by the regulations and to ask that they continue to do so, particularly as we start to enjoy this warmer weather with friends and family both indoors and outdoors now.

“The restrictions that remain are there for a reason and it’s important we all continue to follow them to help tackle the upsurge of variants and get the final lock along the roadmap lifted.”

Across England and Wales, 120,519 fines were issued by the 43 territorial police forces, British Transport Police and Ministry of Defence 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.

Chairman of the NPCC, Martin Hewitt, said a drop in the number of fines in recent weeks had been expected due to the lifting of restrictions.

But he said police officers would not stop in taking action against rule-breakers across the country.

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 West Mercia between March 27 last year and May 16 this year the majority – 2,297 – were recorded under legislation which covers the restriction of movement and large gatherings.

Under other Covid-19-related regulations, there were 342 for failing to wear a face covering when required, and nine for breaching international travel rules.

The figures, which are updated monthly and cover the whole coronavirus period, could be impacted by fines processed late from previous months, as well as cancellations, the NPCC said.

Human rights campaign group Liberty said "rapidly changing rules, chaotic communications and a misguided emphasis on criminal justice over public health" led to confusion over the fine system and meant interpretation of coronavirus restrictions varied across different police force areas.

Head of policy and campaigns, Sam Grant, said: "At the outset of this pandemic, the Government created sweeping and coercive powers to enforce rules that were communicated chaotically.

"Add to this rapid changes and local lockdowns and policing was inevitably going to be uneven."

Meanwhile, charity Transform Justice's director Penelope Gibbs said: "The problem with Covid fines is that those fined have often had no idea whether they were transgressing the law or not.

"The new laws have been rushed in, have changed frequently and the police and the public have frequently confused legislation and guidance.

"So many, if not most, Covid fines are unfair."

People issued with a fine – the maximum is £10,000 – have up to 28 days to pay. Those who cannot pay or wish to contest it can take the matter before the courts.

A spokesperson for the Home Office said police officers have worked "tirelessly" to keep the public safe during the pandemic.

They added: "Whilst the majority of us have been able to stay at home our courageous officers have been out on the streets pursuing cimrinals, protecting the public and enforcing the coronavirus rules where necessary."