Number of fines issued since lockdown measures eased continues to fall

Data released on Friday (12 June) shows that a total of 325 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) have been recorded by Greater Manchester Police, up to 8 June for breaches of government public health regulations.

The new period covered by this data is between 26 May and 8 June, where 523 fines were given in total in England. Data from this period shows the most fines were given on Saturday 30 May (96).

Since measures were first eased on 13 May, a total of 1,526 FPNs have been issued nationally.

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). From 1 June to 8 June, a total of 161 FPNs were issued across England.

The majority of fines continue to be issued to males in the 18-24 age group. Fines have been more likely to be given at weekends and during periods of warmer weather.

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.

Assistant Chief Constable for Greater Manchester Police, Chris Sykes, said: “On Thursday 11 June 2020 the NPCC released updated figures on the amount of Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) issued by every force for instances where there has been a breach of COVID-19 legislation.

“GMP has issued 325 FPNs to date. The reduction in the number of FPNs we’ve needed to issue reflects a number of developments in the past two weeks that encompass the changes in government guidance, the quantity of reports we’ve received and the continuing emphasis on personal responsibility for maintaining social distancing.

“I’d firstly like to thank the public for their understanding. In the overwhelming majority of incidents, we’ve responded to since the start of the pandemic, members of the public have engaged with officers while they have explained the importance of following government guidance. This has precluded the need to issue costly fines – which with today’s uncertainty over employment and the economy is the very last thing we want to enforce upon hard working people in Greater Manchester.

“As government regulations have moved towards staying alert and maintaining social distancing, we have received significantly fewer reports alleging guidelines have been breached. For instance, in the past week reported incidents of street parties or neighbourhood gatherings in breach of guidelines has fallen 84 per cent. Reported incidents related to shops or supermarkets has fallen 79 per cent. 

“Where we do receive reports, our position in such cases will remain the same: to engage and explain the importance of following the guidance and to do the right thing – for the safety of themselves and of those around them. We will only enforce as a last resort – and only then after taking into consideration the fundamental principle of proportionality. 

“I know that times remain challenging – for both our hard-working officers and staff who put themselves at risk every day, and the public who have been asked to make incredible sacrifices throughout lockdown. 

“If the community and the police continue to work together, then Greater Manchester will come through this, and will be stronger as a result.”

National Police Chiefs’ Council Chair, Martin Hewitt said: “We’re now near to closing the first month away from full lockdown. Soon, shops will be open again, and there will be more people outdoors going about their business. Our approach of engaging, explaining and encouraging continues to be successful. Since measures eased in England, the number of fines issued has seen a sustained fall.

“Behind each fine is a case where someone has failed to listen and do the right thing. A fine is issued following engagement to establish the circumstances, explanation of what the regulations are and why they’re in breach of them, and encouragement to stop their activity and return home.

“Officers have used their common sense and discretion to take into account people’s individual circumstances. We will only enforce as a last resort, against those who are in clear breach of the regulations.

“I would like to thank the vast majority of people who are continuing, as they have always done, to abide by the lockdown measures and the government’s advice.”