Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Robert Fairnie

Coronavirus Scotland: Police fine 7000 lockdown rule breakers as patrols on roads to be ramped up

More than 7000 Covid-19 rule breakers have been fined by police since the start of the pandemic.

Police Scotland Chief Constable Iain Livingstone says his officers have spoken to the public a huge 100,000 times about the restrictions, while issuing thousands of fixed penalties.

Almost 550 people have been arrested, with officers intervening at "over 350 different premises".

The details were announced as Chief Constable Livingstone confirmed police presence would be "maximised" in communities and on roads in order to deter those who might be thinking of breaking the rules.

He said: "Since the start of the pandemic officers across Scotland have had over 100,000 interactions with their fellow members of the public regarding coronavirus compliance.

"We've issued over 7000 fixed penalties, and made almost 550 arrests. In addition to that we've made over 350 interventions at different premises, and closed around 90 of them."

He added: "I will maximise visible policing presence in our communities, and on our roads. I'll do that to help people, to offer reassurance, but also to act as a deterrent to those who may be thinking of breaching restrictions.

"Although the restrictions have changed again, and they are very strict, as they have done often and at times quickly, the response of Police Scotland will not change. Our response has been and will remain proportionate, reasonable and fair, underpinned by the principle of consent.

"Where officers encounter wilful and blatant offences, we will continue to act decisively to enforce the law."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.