People breaking lockdown faced over 3,000 fines from police in our region

A police checkpoint at Aysgarth in North Yorkshire Credit: Press Association

Over 3,000 fines have now been given to people breaking lockdown rules by police forces in our region, according to new figures.

The most fines were handed out by North Yorkshire Police - the highest in the country at 1,122 and which made up more than a third of all the fines in our region.

This is higher than the Metropolitan Police which issued 1,033 fines across London.

The next highest in our region was West Yorkshire with 774, which is the sixth highest in England.

The region's lowest figure was Humberside Police which only handed out 127 fixed penalty notices.

Fines have been issued for reasons including driving with non-household members, house parties, large gatherings of people from different households, and camping.

People were initially fined £60, but these were later revised to £100 for a first offence, and doubling for each repeat offence, up to a maximum of £3,200.

* 'Lockdown Fines' issued by police forces in our region (Mar 27 - June 22)

  • 1,122 - North Yorkshire Police

  • 774 - West Yorkshire Police

  • 366 - South Yorkshire Police

  • 261 - Derbyshire Police

  • 233 - Lincolnshire Police

  • 186 - Nottinghamshire Police

  • 127 - Humberside Police

Martin Hewitt, chairman of National Police Chiefs’ Council, said: “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."

There were 3,069 fines issued by our region's forces, which makes up a fifth of the total figure for England of 15,000..

These figures cover the three month period from March 27th to June 22nd. The peak for fines was in early May.

Over the last 11 days, most of our forces have not issued any fines. But North Yorkshire Police handed out 35 and Derbyshire issued three.

People were urged to follow government regulations Credit: Press Association
A third of England's 'lockdown fines' were issued by our forces Credit: Press Association

From 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.

Seven hundred people have been given more than one fine in England, for further breaches of restrictions.