The police have issued over 100,000 fixed penalty notices in England for breaching Covid regulations since lockdown measures were first introduced, according to the latest figures from the National Police Chief’s Council (NPPC).
Between 27 March 2020 and 17 October 2021, the police issued 106,451 fixed penalty notices (FPNs) in England, and 11,987 in Wales.
FPNs incur fines of up to £10,000 for breaking Covid rules, for a number of breaches including mixing with others outside of your bubble, or refusing to wear a face covering in public.
The above figures exclude fines for failing to wear a face covering or breaking international travel rules, as these come under separate regulations.
To this date, 371 of the largest fines (£10,000) have been doled out to individuals that have hosted a gathering of over 30 people.
Last week, the Evening Standard reported that rule-breakers in London have been handed over £1m in fines by magistrates in private hearings.
This widespread action against members of the public makes the allegations that Boris Johnson allowed a Christmas party to take place at Downing Street last December, while tier three restrictions were in place, all the more serious.
During the winter 2020 restrictions in England, 3,768 notices were issued for breaking lockdown rules, including 3,528 fines for gathering indoors with more than two people, according to NPCC figures.
While Boris Johnson apologised “unreservedly” during Prime Minister’s Questions for a video showing Downing Street staff members joking about the party taking place, he continued to maintain that the rules were observed.
[See also: Timeline: all the lockdown breaches by politicians and government employees so far]
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