Lincolnshire Police one of the first forces in England to issue fines for flouting face covering law

According to research by Reboot Digital, out of all 40 police forces in England, Lincolnshire was one of the only ones to enforce the rules within the first month, along with Lancashire and the British Transport Police.

Face coverings or masks were made compulsory in shops on July 24 and other indoor locations were added from August 8.

Apparently of the forces that responded, 31 out of 34 police forces in England have not issued a single penalty notice to residents flouting the rules. Boris Johnson’s dad, Stanley, was caught out recently for not wearing a mask in a shop.

Lincolnshire Police has issued just one fine (£100), as forces continue to persue an advisory approach, engaging with the public. Lancashire Constabulary who have so far issued two fines (£200 in total).

With face coverings law on public transport, British Transport Police (BTP) stopped 50,729 people between June 30 and September 8 and reported 3,545 ‘interventions’ where passengers not wearing face coverings were approached and asked to vacate trains.

A total of 51 fixed penalty notices were issued by BTP for offences relating to a lack of face coverings on public transport.

In total, the BTP has accrued £5,100 in penalties up until August 18, according to the figures.

Lincolnshire Police chiefs say their figure reflects national compliance with restrictions.

According to the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the county’s force had issued a cumulative total of 237 fines to rule breakers up to September 21 – just the one up from 236 in August, which accounts for the fine for lack of face covering.

In the five months between May to September, the force issued 16 Covid-related fines, although between July and August three fines were taken off the tally.

A force spokesman said the reduction in numbers since lockdown began “reflects the easing of restrictions nationally and possibly more compliance and understanding”.

Lincolnshire Police relied initially on people taking their own personal responsibility and using enforcement as a last resort.

Chief Inspector Pat Coates, from Specialist Operations, said: “Obviously through June, July and August the restrictions were relaxed significantly so the actual offences police could enforce on were significantly less than they were in April and May.

“The majority of the time people are following the law and certainly abiding by it, if we have to engage with them.

“I would say however, that we are ready to enforce should we need to.”

The cumulative totals for the past five months, according to the NPCC are:

May – 221

June – 233

July – 239

August – 236

September – 237

Nationally, in September 147 fines were issued by forces in England – many in areas which are facing localised lockdowns.

The majority have been in relation to face coverings, however, there have also been some for large gatherings and those breaching the rule of six.

The NPCC also said that other crime trends were returning to pre-lockdown levels following a 28 per cent reduction at the height of lockdown.