North Yorkshire Police warned today it will take action against people who break new coronavirus restrictions – even though so far it hasn’t issued any fines for breaches of rules on face masks and gatherings.
Superintendent Mike Walker, gold commander for NYP’s response to Covid, told a press briefing that demand for policing had returned to pre-lockdown levels.
He told the briefing by North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum, which is a partnership of agencies that tackles emergencies, officers would use enforcement as a last resort.
Superintendent Mike Walker said the force hasn’t issued any fines for breaches of rules on face masks and gatherings.
But it has issued 1,151 coronavirus penalties, including five for people failing to self-isolate. The vast majority were for non-essential journeys at the start of lockdown.
Under coronavirus legislation, police have the power to issue £60 fixed penalty notices to anyone breaching restrictions. The sum is reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days.
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Superintendent Walker said officers would expect the public to understand the latest restrictions, including the rule of six.
He said:
“It is important to note that this [new restrictions] does place additional pressure on us when our demand has returned to pre-Covid levels.
“The police will enforce as a last resort. But we expect the public to understand what the restrictions are and to abide by those restrictions.
“Those who choose not to abide by the restrictions should expect police action.”
It comes as the number of coronavirus infections in the Harrogate district has increased in recent weeks in line with the national trend.
The number of cases hit a three-week high yesterday, with 19 positive cases in 24 hours.
North Yorkshire County Council has asked care homes to restrict visits for the month of October in an effort to protect residents.
