Statistical update on number of lockdown fines given by police

Data released today shows that a total of 15,856 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) have been recorded by forces in England up to 22 June for breaches of government public health regulations. In Wales, 2,583 FPNs have been issued in the same timeframe.

The new period covered by this data is between 9 June and 22 June, where 189 fines were given in England. Data from this period shows that the most fines were given on Sunday 14 June (43).

Since measures were first eased on 13 May, a total of 1,691 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). Where groups exceed that size, officers will follow the established 4E’s approach to encourage them to comply. From 1 June to 22 June, a total of 358 FPNs were issued.

The majority of fines continue to be issued to males in the 18-34 age group, with fines more likely to be given at weekends. 700 people have been given more than one fine in England, for further breaches of restrictions.

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:

“Since lockdown restrictions began to ease the number of fines issued has seen a sustained fall across the country. Our approach of engaging with the public, explaining the regulations in place and encouraging them to do the right thing will continue.

“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. Behind each fine is a case where someone has failed to listen and do the right thing.

“As restrictions ease further from the 4 July in England, it is important for everyone to take more personal responsibility for their safety by continuing to follow official advice and government regulations. Limiting the spread of the virus should still be everyone’s priority.

“I would like to again thank the vast majority of people for abiding by the lockdown measures and government 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

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Fixed penalty notices data pack - 26 June