Coronavirus: Police set to fine people £30 for breaching lockdown orders

Police are set to fine people £30 each for flouting lockdown rules as emergency powers are brought into force.
By Ben Fishwick
Published 25th Mar 2020, 15:30 BST
Updated 25th Mar 2020, 15:31 BST
Police officers patrol in Old Portsmouth after Prime Minister Boris Johnson has put the UK in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. Picture: Steve Parsons/PA WirePolice officers patrol in Old Portsmouth after Prime Minister Boris Johnson has put the UK in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. Picture: Steve Parsons/PA Wire
Police officers patrol in Old Portsmouth after Prime Minister Boris Johnson has put the UK in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. Picture: Steve Parsons/PA Wire

It comes as prime minister Boris Johnson unveiled measures on Monday to enforce a lockdown to slow the spread of Covid-19, which has claimed 15 lives at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham.

People can only leave their homes for essential groceries, to commute if they cannot work at home, for exercise once a day, and to help a vulnerable person, or for any medical need.

Emergency powers are expected to come into force tomorrow.

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Health secretary Matt Hancock told the Commons: ‘These measures are not advice, they are rules and will be enforced including by the police, with fines starting at £30 up to unlimited fines for non-compliance.’

But Hampshire's roads policing officers are already tackling those flouting the government’s orders.

Posting on Twitter the unit said: ‘Out patrolling the Meon Valley to find motorcycles out for a pleasure ride.

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‘If the government request won’t keep you at home we can still deal with motoring offences.

‘Come on people.’

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In another tweet they said: ‘We are policing the roads as usual. Only drive if it’s essential. Please drive/ride safely because you can help control demand on the NHS. Thank you.’

A spokesman for Hampshire Police Federation tweeted: ‘Police officers are used to dealing with difficult and challenging situations so our members will continue to provide a service to our communities throughout this crisis’

SEE MORE: Driver pulled over on motorway 'repeatedly coughs' at police claiming he has Covid-19