Drop in number of Fixed Penalty Notices issued in Lincolnshire since lockdown measures eased

The number of lockdown fines issued by Lincolnshire Police has slowed since measures were eased in England, new figures have shown.
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Government public health regulations introduced on March 27 to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, enabled officers to issue individuals with penalty notices if they failed to comply after officers had engaged with them, explained the risks to public health and encouraged voluntary compliance.

Measures were first eased on May 13, when two people from different households could meet outside, as long as they were two metres apart.

Further easing of lockdown was introduced on June 1, when it became lawful for groups of up to six people to meet outdoors in England.

Since May 25, Lincolnshire Police issued just 12 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN), which is in line with a general reduction of fixed penalty notices being issued across the country.

From March 27 to June 8, the force has issued 231 FPNs.

Assistant Chief Constable Kerrin Wilson said: “We have always adopted the four E’s approach, and our officers will engage, explain and encourage first, with enforcement only ever used as the last option.

“Although the lockdown has eased and many shops will be open again from Monday, it’s vitally important to remember that we are still battling Coronavirus.

“Maintaining social distancing remains one of the key ways to prevent its spread, and I’d urge all people in Lincolnshire to follow this guidance.

“And once again, I’d like to thank the vast majority of people in our county who have listened to guidance, not broken the rules and helped us all to keep safe during the pandemic.”

National data is available on the National Police Chiefs’ Council website here.