Almost 1,000 Covid fines in Devon & Cornwall

Police speak to hundred of thousands of people about restrictions

Devon and Cornwall Police have spoken to hundreds of thousands of people about lockdown restrictions since 1 April and dished out 989 fixed penalty notices for breaches of Covid-19 legislation between then and 28 May. Three-quarters of the fines were issued to people living in the region. At a minimum of £60 per ticket, that's a tad under £60,000 of fine revenue.

Fifty fines were issued over the Bank Holiday weekend, 38 per cent of which related to overnight stays including second homes and campervans. The remainder were in the main for groups and gatherings. Over that same weekend, officers carried out high visibility patrols at over 900 locations across Devon and Cornwall.

Assistant chief constable Glen Mayhew said: “Officers have used discretion in each and every situation to engage, educate and encourage before using enforcement as a last resort where necessary. A crucial part of this process for us has been to work closely with our communities in order to shape the approach we took and to enable us to understand the concerns and issues within our own towns and villages. Many of you told us that you were concerned about second homes and overnight stays so that was an area we focused on, particularly since the changes to lockdown earlier this month.

“I would like to thank the majority of the people who continue to play their part in this national endeavour and whom I hope will continue to take personal responsibility for their actions, which remains key with the easing of lockdown restrictions. 

“As we move into the next phase of lockdown, we are continuing to ask people to Think Twice about their actions - is it safe and is it fair? 

-        Check what amenities might be available to you at the location you’re travelling to – will the toilets be open?

-        If you arrive and find a full car park, find an alternative and safe place to park, or come back later.

-        Be respectful of the community you are visiting – if the bins are full, take your rubbish home.

-        Check your car is in a roadworthy condition before leaving the house and take care when driving.”

From Monday 1 June, people are allowed to meet in groups of up to six outside. <ass gatherings and overnight stays are still unlawful