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Apr 2020

Coronavirus

North Yorkshire Police hand out 153 coronavirus lockdown fines

Published: 15 Apr 2020, 16:46 BST

by Connor Creaghan

Six of the fines were handed out to people in the Harrogate district. The police handed out over 90 fines during the Easter bank holiday weekend.

North Yorkshire Police has handed out 153 fines to people flouting the coronavirus lockdown rules.

The force has also spoken to thousands of people and taken 2,000 reports from people detailing suspected breaches.

Some of the incidents include people getting drunk and others gathering for a barbeque in Scarborough as well as a couple camping in the North Yorkshire Moors.

Ten of the fines have been issued to parents or guardians for failing to keep their children under control.

The police issued the majority of fines to residents of North Yorkshire as well as 42% who had travelled to the county.

A breakdown of fines across North Yorkshire revealed that the majority of fines were handed out in the Scarborough district.

Craven District – 20

Hambleton District – 25

Harrogate District – 6

Richmondshire District – 6

Ryedale District – 5

Scarborough District – 44

Selby District – 15

City of York – 32

Men appear to be the worse culprit for breaking the lockdown rules with 126 fines compared to 27 issued to women. While those under the age of 35, especially those under 25, make up the majority of fines.

18 – 25: 68 fines issued

26 – 35: 49 fines issued

36 – 45: 19 fines issued

46 – 55: 10 fines issued

56 – 65: 4 fines issued

65 and over: 3 fines issued

North Yorkshire Police issued 91 of the 153 fines over the four-day Easter bank holiday weekend.

Assistant Chief Constable Mike Walker, said:

“Most people understand the gravity of the situation we face, most people are moved by the tragic stories we have seen, and most people have stayed at home. Yes there have been pockets of breaches across the county, but the majority of people have listened. Each area is different and each area brings its own challenges, for example, all of the fines issued in the Craven area, the home of the Yorkshire Dales, were issued to visitors, whereas in Scarborough and York, the majority of fines were issued to residents."