Ten fines in six weeks as Covid-19 lockdown laws are relaxed across Northamptonshire

Police issued just ten lockdown fines in six weeks in Northamptonshire — and none in the last two weeks — despite the easing of measures to contain the Covid-19 virus.

Numbers issued by the National Police Chiefs' Council revealed the county force handed out 359 penalty notices from March 27, when new laws were introduced, until May 11.

The latest figure released last week shows the total to June 22 stood at 369 — the same as it was on June 8.

Across England, 189 fines were handed out by forces between June 9 and 22 for breaches of the Government's health regulations.

A spokesman for Northamptonshire Police said: “The vast majority of people in Northamptonshire are still very much aware of the risk Covid-19 poses and as such, have continued to abide by the regulations.

“We would continue to urge people to follow the guidance set out by the government as lockdown eases to mitigate the spread of this disease as much as possible."

Since 1 June, it has been lawful for groups of up to six people to meet outdoors in England as long as social distancing measures are maintained.

The majority of fines continue to be issued to males in the 18-34 age group, with fines more likely to be given at weekends. 700 people have been given more than one fine in England, for further breaches of restrictions.

In England, fines have been issued for reasons such as driving with non-household members, house parties, large gatherings of people from different households, and camping, among other things.

National Police Chiefs’ Council Chair, Martin Hewitt said: “Since lockdown restrictions began to ease the number of fines issued has seen a sustained fall across the country. Our approach of engaging with the public, explaining the regulations in place and encouraging them to do the right thing will continue.

“Officers have used their common sense and discretion to take in to account people’s individual circumstances. We will only enforce as a last resort, against those who are in clear breach of the regulations. Behind each fine is a case where someone has failed to listen and do the right thing.

“As restrictions ease further from the 4 July in England, it is important for everyone to take more personal responsibility for their safety by continuing to follow official advice and government regulations. Limiting the spread of the virus should still be everyone’s priority.

“I would like to again thank the vast majority of people for abiding by the lockdown measures and government advice.”

Covid-19 has so far known to have claimed 631 lives in Northamptonshire's main hospitals and care homes despite the strict lockdown forcing people to stay at home for three months.

The average number of new positive tests in the county fell to 4.78 over a 14-day period on Monday (June 29) — the equivalent figure stood at 14 on June 1.