Police will ask people why they are outside in ‘strict’ lockdown enforcement

Officers have been told to issue fines ‘more quickly’ for Covid breaches, Scotland Yard warns

People in London are increasingly likely to face fines for breaking any coronavirus restrictions, Scotland Yard has said – warning of “stricter” enforcement during the new lockdown.

Metropolitan Police officers will stop citizens in the street to ask them where they are going, and fines will be issued if a legitimate explanation cannot be provided.

Officers have been given instructions to issue fines “more quickly” to anyone committing “obvious, wilful and serious” breaches of the rules.

Anyone not wearing a face mask where required and without good reason can expect to be fined, the force warned. And all those attending parties, unlicensed music events or illegal large gatherings can expect to be fined – not just the organisers.  

It comes as one senior police figure in England urged the government to look at extra powers allowing officers to force entry into the homes of suspected of holding parties during lockdown.  

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson said it would help “enforce the new regulations more easily”, adding: “The power of entry would seem to be a useful tool.”

Boris Johnson’s new lockdown legislation – enforceable until 31 March – means the public must stay at home unless they have a “reasonable excuse”. Fixed penalty notices of £200 can be issued for any first breach of the rules, which fines doubling for further offences up to a maximum of £6,400.

Anyone holding, or involved in holding, a large illegal gathering of more than 30 people risks a heftier fine of up to £10,000.  

As England’s new lockdown came into effect on Wednesday morning, the Met made clear that Londoners can expect officers to be more “inquisitive” and move more quickly to fines if there is no lawful reason to be away from home.

“Our first duty as police officers is to preserve life,” said the Met’s deputy assistant commissioner Matt Twist, who leads the force’s response to the pandemic.

“The critical situation our NHS colleagues are facing and the way the new virus variant moves through communities, means we can no longer spend our time explaining or encouraging people to follow rules where they are wilfully and dangerously breaching.”

Last month Scotland Yard launched a new digital fines system which makes it quicker and easier for officers to issue fines on the spot. 

“Since its launch more people have been reported for fines than in the rest of the year combined,” said Mr Twist. “This is also an indicator of a worsening position in the epidemic, and officers stepping in more quickly to try to keep communities safe.”

He added: “I hope it is not necessary for this particular trend to carry on but if people continue to break the rules, putting themselves, their families and their communities at greater risk, our officers are ready to act robustly.”