Almost half of Scots think police are not strict enough in enforcing Covid laws

Almost half of Scots believe that the police are not strict enough in enforcing coronavirus legislation across the country.

YouGov asked 2,743 people in the UK for their thoughts on policing during the new stay at home lockdown.

Around 43% of people polled in Scotland said that the Police Scotland approach to rule breaches could be stricter.

Just 13% feel the approach is too strict, while 28% said they are about right.

Chief Constable Iain Livingstone has urged Scots to take "personal responsibility" for their actions during the lockdown (Daily Record)

Scots face a fine of £60 for a first time offence under the coronavirus legislation set by the Scottish Government.

The fixed penalty doubles on each repeat breach up to a maximum value of £960.

Police Scotland’s Chief Constable revealed last week that more than 7,000 fines and almost 550 arrests have been made for Covid breaches since the beginning of the pandemic.

However, enforcement has been described as a ‘last resort’ with Scots being urged to take “personal responsibility” for their actions during the new lockdown.

The Chief Constable said: “I fully recognise the impact these further restrictions will have on people’s lives.

“However, it is clear that the significant sacrifices being made by people across Scotland are vital to help suppress the spread of coronavirus.

“People should not leave their homes unless for essential purposes. The best way to stay safe is to stay at home.

“Where officers encounter wilful breaches they will act decisively to enforce the law.

“The vast majority of people have stepped up to take responsibility and our determination and collective effort to tackle this virus must now continue in the difficult times ahead.”

Nicola Sturgeon has hinted at tougher measures amid a surge in new coronavirus cases in Scotland (Handout)

The Scottish Government has hinted at enforcing tougher measures across Scotland as the number of people being treated for Covid-19 in hospitals continues to surge.

Nicola Sturgeon said yesterday that the number of people in hospital for coronavirus has overtaken the figures seen during the first wave of the pandemic in spring last year.

Tighter restrictions on takeaways, click and collect services and the construction industry could be announced in the coming days.