Fines for ignoring the government lockdown restrictions are set to rise to £100 in England from tomorrow.
If the police believe someone is flouting restrictions on movement amid the coronavirus outbreak the first fine issued will be £100 which will be lowered to £50 if paid within 14 days, according to the Home Office.
Fines will then double for each repeat offence, up to a maximum of £3,200.
Existing legislation, the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020, will be updated from to reflect the changes coming into force.
John Apter, the national chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “What we need from the Prime Minister and the Government now is clear and unambiguous messaging and guidance, explaining what exactly is expected of the public, so that my colleagues can do their level best to police it.
“Police officers will continue to do their best, but their work must be based on crystal clear guidance, not loose rules that are left open to interpretation – because that will be grossly unfair on officers whose job is already challenging.”
How will police enforce the new rules?
The police and local authorities have the powers to enforce the requirements set out in law if people do not comply with them. The police will act with discretion and common sense in applying these measures, but if you breach the law, the police may instruct you to go home, leave an area or disperse, and they may instruct you to take steps to stop your children breaking these rules if they have already done so. The police can also take you home or arrest you where they believe it is necessary.
If the police believe that you have broken the law – or if you refuse to follow their instructions enforcing the law – a police officer may issue you with a fixed penalty notice of £100 (reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days), an increase of £40 from the previous £60 fixed penalty amount. If you have already received a fixed penalty notice, the amount for further offences will increase in line with the table below.
| First offence | £100 |
| Second offence | £200 |
| Third offence | £400 |
| Fourth offence | £800 |
| Fifth offence | £1600 |
| Maximum penalty | £3200 |
For both individuals and companies, if you do not pay your fine you could be taken to court, with magistrates able to impose unlimited fines.
