Statistical update on lockdown fines given by police in England and Wales

Provisional data released today show a continuing reduction in the number of fines issued since lockdown measures eased

Data released today shows that a total of 15,715 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) have been recorded by forces in England up to 8 June for breaches of government public health regulations. In Wales, 2,282 FPNs have been issued in the same timeframe.

The new period covered by this data is between 26 May and 8 June, where 523 fines were given in England. Data from this period shows the most fines were given on Saturday 30 May (96).

Since measures were first eased on 13 May, a total of 1,526 FPNs have been issued.

From 1 June, it has been lawful for groups of up to six people to meet outdoors in England (as long as social distancing measures are maintained). From 1 June to 8 June, a total of 161 FPNs were issued.

The majority of fines continue to be issued to males in the 18-24 age group. Fines have been more likely to be given at weekends and during periods of warmer weather.

In England, fines have been issued for reasons such as driving with non-household members, house parties, large gatherings of people from different households, and camping, among other things.

National Police Chiefs’ Council Chair, Martin Hewitt said:

“We’re now near to closing the first month away from full lockdown. Soon, shops will be open again, and there will be more people outdoors going about their business. Our approach of engaging, explaining and encouraging continues to be successful. Since measures eased in England, the number of fines issued has seen a sustained fall.

“Behind each fine is a case where someone has failed to listen and do the right thing. A fine is issued following engagement to establish the circumstances, explanation of what the regulations are and why they’re in breach of them, and encouragement to stop their activity and return home.

“Officers have used their common sense and discretion to take in to account people’s individual circumstances. We will only enforce as a last resort, against those who are in clear breach of the regulations.
“I would like to thank the vast majority of people who are continuing, as they have always done, to abide by the lockdown measures and the Government’s advice.”

As with previous releases, data from previous weeks has been revised to reflect the fact more FPNs have been processed by ACRO. Figures may also include revisions made due to fines being rescinded by forces, affecting the overall totals since the beginning of lockdown.

Government public health regulations introduced on 27 March 2020 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, enable officers to issue individuals with fines if they failed to comply after officers have engaged with them, explained the risks to public health and encouraged voluntary compliance.

Police forces have worked closely with the NPCC in order to be as transparent as possible in how they have used these new powers. Statistical collection for matters relating to Covid-19 are still developing and are not subject to the same stringent analysis and quality assurance that is possible with an established official statistics collection.

Data tables for England, BTP and MoD Police

Table 1: Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) issued by territorial forces in England (and BTP), under emergency health regulations.

FPNs related to the enforcement of the new COVID-19 public health regulations