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16:38 15/04/2020
Figures released by the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) show a total of 205 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) have been issued in the county between 00.01hrs on 27 March and 00.01hrs on 13 April.
Of those FPNs, 114 were issued over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend (10-13 April).
Nationally, a total of 3,203 have been issued across all 40 forces in England during this time.
Surrey Police Chief Constable Gavin Stephens said this figure is a tiny proportion when compared to the significant number of people officers have engaged with.
“Our approach has been, and remains, to encourage and support people to make the right choices to comply with the restrictions in place, and to only use enforcement as a last resort. Thankfully, the vast majority of people are fully complying with the guidance and we thank them for helping to stop the spread of the virus.
“Our officers and PSCOs are engaging with literally thousands of people every day. While most have adhered to our advice and have had genuine reasons for being outdoors, a very small minority of people have refused to cooperate.
“Notably, a significant proportion of fines were issued to people who had travelled into the county during the Bank Holiday weekend to visit local beauty spots, which clearly goes against advice and we will be working to further deter this.”
Incidents where enforcement action has had to be taken include:
In instances where FPNs have been issued individuals have been given a £60 on-the-spot fine (reduced to £30 if paid within 30 days).
The Chief Constable added: “This is new legislation and we are learning every day. Our officers and PSCOs are being asked to use their professional judgement and common sense around the legislation which does not cater for the range of complex lives that people lead.
“We will only use the new powers when we need them, and will continue to police by consent where we can and with the trust and help of our local communities.
“Overwhelmingly, people are making the right choices and doing the right thing to support the NHS and help prevent the spread of the virus in Surrey.”
Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, David Munro said: “I’m pleased that the vast majority of Surrey residents have been following the government guidance and I want to thank them all for their continued co-operation in what are testing times for us all. I fully support the Chief Constable’s approach to work with our communities, apply common sense, and take enforcement action only where it’s absolutely necessary.
“Our police officers and staff are working around the clock with our partner agencies across the county to do to everything we can to ensure we keep people safe during this pandemic and the small minority of people flouting the restrictions are putting everyone at risk.
“A significant number of those issued with fines are not Surrey residents and have travelled into the county from elsewhere to visit beauty spots. The message to those people thinking of coming to Surrey for such reasons is simple - please stay away and help prevent the spread of this virus.”
Under government regulations, you should only leave the house for very limited purposes: