Gwent Police issue 80 fines to people ‘selfishly’ breaching lockdown rules over Easter bank holiday

Eighty fines were issued by Gwent Police to people ‘selfishly’ breaking lockdown rules during the Easter bank holiday weekend.

The fixed penalty notices were issued between Friday, April 10 and Monday, April 13, the Gwent force said.

Chief constable, Pam Kelly, said disregard for government advice shown by a minority of people “must stop immediately.”

“It is a sad fact that a minority, despite our engagement over the past three weeks, of people still chose to go against the guidelines,” she said.

“Enforcement is not something that we want to do, but it becomes a necessity if people continue to show contempt for what is being asked of them during this health crisis.

“If this behaviour continues, officers will use the enforcement options available to them.

“This disregard for the government’s advice has to stop, and it must stop immediately.”

Government guidance says people should only leave their home for limited purposes which are:

– Shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible.

– One form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle – alone or with members of your household.

– Any medical need, including to donate blood, avoid or escape risk of injury or harm, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person.

– Travelling for work purposes, but only where you cannot work from home.

Those flouting the rules can be fined £60 for a first offence (£30 if paid within 14 days) and £120 for subsequent notices.

Ms Kelly and Jeff Cuthbert, police and crime commissioner for Gwent, have also written an open letter to the communities of Gwent about the issue.

It says they have warned and fined those that have “selfishly been breaching the law.”

“It is pleasing to report that the majority of people have shown great respect for their communities and have remained at home to prevent the spread of the disease,” the letter says,

“Gwent Police cannot thank people enough for their support; the roads have been quiet, and most people are only taking journeys when they are absolutely necessary.

“However, we are still seeing a small minority of people abuse the legislation – and the message to those that continue to put peoples’ lives at risk, is that we are continuing our pro-active approach and will enforce where necessary… this is very much in order to save lives.”