Coronavirus: Portsmouth police stop people 'just going out for a drive' to Portsdown Hill

Police in Hampshire tweeted a reminder that ‘going out for a drive’ to car parks on Portsdown Hill and in Farlington, Portsmouth. are ‘not essential journeys’.

The message said: ‘A number of people advised overnight about just going out for a drive as they have been stuck indoors.

‘Parking in car parks on #PortsdownHill & #Farlington are not essential journeys.

‘All apologetic & headed straight home but please take notice & #StayHomeSaveLives.’

The message also included the new police regulations on the lockdown, which means anyone outdoors without a valid reason may be committing an offence.

Police have been given the power to issue £60 fines for non-compliance. If paid within 14 days they are reduced to £30. Repeat offenders' fines double each time. If a fine is not paid the matter will be taken to court and magistrates can impose an unlimited fine.

If a fine is paid, no criminal offences are recorded as having been committed.

On Friday, assistant chief constable Scott Chilton told The News that officers would fine people as a ‘last resort’.

He said: ‘It’s disappointing if people have to issue a ticket because you don’t take personal responsibility for what is common sense.’