As police used drones and roadblocks to enforce rules against non-essential travel, they were yesterday given new powers to arrest and fine anyone guilty of ignoring the lockdown.
Officers can now issue on-the-spot £60 fines, with the amount doubling for each repeat offence. Magistrates can then impose unlimited cash penalties on those who fail to pay.
Announcing the powers, Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “The Prime Minister has been clear on what we need to do: stay at home to protect our NHS and save lives. “That’s why I’m giving police these new enforcement powers, to protect the public and keep people safe.” As her announcement was made, extraordinary steps were being taken to enforce the social distancing rules.