Doncaster Police set to take a tough stance on people flouting lockdown rules

Under the latest lockdown rules, you can only leave the house with a reasonable excuse such as exercise, buying food, going to a medical appointment or escaping domestic abuse.

Anyone caught by cops without a reasonable excuse could be slapped with a £200 fixed penalty notice for their first offence, with this doubling for further offences up to a maximum of £6,400.

Those holding, or involved in holding, an illegal gathering of more than 30 people risk a police-issued fine of £10,000.

Police have been instructed to issue fines more quickly to “anyone committing obvious, wilful and serious breaches”.

Earlier this week, a spokesman said that officers would still attempt to “engage, explain and encourage” Brits before enforcing the rules - but warned they would issue fines more quickly.

They added that “those not wearing masks where they should be and without good reason can expect to be fined - not reasoned with”.

Under current laws, people must wear a mask in all indoor public spaces, such as shops and supermarkets, as well as on public transport and inside taxis.

Exemptions include children under the age of 11 and those who cannot wear a face covering because of a medical condition.

Ken Marsh, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, said that anyone with a medical exemption will now need to provide written evidence to officers if they are caught without a mask on.

He said: "If you have a medical reason for not wearing a mask, you now have to print off a clarification that proves you have an exemption.

"This is a problem we've had all along, that before anyone could say they had a medical reason for not wearing a mask and we'd have to just accept it and walk off. That isn't the case now."

He added that Brits would not need to carry the exemption with them at all times, as the person will "be given a certain amount of time" with which to "produce notice of exemption from a doctor".