Surge in coronavirus fines issued by South Yorkshire Police

Almost 2,000 fines were issued by police in South Yorkshire for breaches of Covid-19 laws over Christmas and the start of this year, figures show – around three-quarters of all fines issued since the start of the pandemic.
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But the approach by police has been called into question by MPs and peers who, in calling for a review, have described the fines as "muddled, discriminatory and unfair".

In a report, the Joint Committee on Human Rights said the Coronavirus Act had been misunderstood and wrongly applied by police.

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Figures published by the National Police Chiefs' Council reveal a total of 2,545 fixed penalty notices were recorded as being issued by South Yorkshire Police between March 27 last year and April 18 this year.

There has been a rise in the number of fines issued by policeThere has been a rise in the number of fines issued by police
There has been a rise in the number of fines issued by police

They include 1,872 fines after December 20 – 74 per cent of the total handed out by officers since the pandemic began.

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However, the figures do show a slowing down in the number of fines issued over more recent weeks, with 719 given out by officers between March 14 and April 18.

Across England and Wales, police forces have issued 110,322 fixed penalty notices under the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations.

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However, the JCHR has criticised the system, raising concerns over the validity of the fines, the inadequacy of the review and appeal process and the size of penalties.

The maximum penalty for the breach of a Covid-19 law is £10,000.

Harriet Harman, JCHR chair, said: “The police have had a difficult job in policing the pandemic.

"We hope that their initial approach – to engage, explain and encourage before issuing fixed penalty notices – will continue.

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"However, since January there have been greater numbers of FPNs as police move more quickly to enforcement action."

Coronavirus rules have changed at least 65 times since March 2020, providing “obvious challenges for police”, according to a report by the JCHR.

The report said: "It is astonishing that the Coronavirus Act is still being misunderstood and wrongly applied by police to such an extent that every single criminal charge brought under the Act has been brought incorrectly."

Of the fines in South Yorkshire from March 27 last year to April 18 this year there were 37 for failing to wear a face covering when required, and 28 for breaching international travel rules.

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There were also eight for holding a gathering of more than 30 people, which carries a £10,000 penalty.

They also included two fines were given for breaching self-isolation regulations.

The remaining fines were for offences not specifically provided by the NPCC at a force level.

The figures cover the end of the tier system, which saw stricter restrictions on hospitality businesses and a banning of travel between areas with different tiers.

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It was followed by the third national lockdown from January 6 when people were told to stay at home.

Since then, a lifting of restrictions saw schools reopen in March followed by a rule allowing groups of up to six of two households to meet outside.

In April, measures were further relaxed with the opening of retail, public buildings and holiday lets.

The NPCC said it would be considering the recommendations in the JCHR report.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Liam Hoden, editor.