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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Robert Fairnie

Far fewer fines issued for lockdown breaches in Edinburgh than elsewhere in Scotland

Far fewer fines have been issued for lockdown breaches in Edinburgh than elsewhere in Scotland.

Police Scotland have issued a breakdown of the number of fixed penalty notices issued per area between March 27 and April 1.

In Edinburgh just four fines were dished out while there were 46 issued in Greater Glasgow, 17 in Lanarkshire, 18 in Ayrshire and 20 in the North East.

There were also nine fines handed out in Argyll and West Dunbartonshire, nine in the Lothians and Borders, eight in Renfrewshire and Iverclyde and six in Forth Valley.

Like Edinburgh, Fife saw four fines dished out while just one fixed penalty was issued in each of Tayside and Highland and Islands.

Across Scotland 144 fines were issued under the new legislation – which allows officers to enforce social distancing among the public. Fines of £30 can be issued, increased to £60 if not paid in 28 days.

Police said that in one incident in Paisley on Saturday three notices were issued to a group of men found to be in a van together with no reasonable excuse. And on Tuesday six penalty notices were issued after reports of a house party in Aberdeen.

The Chief Constable said: “People recognise that it is their duty to adhere to these guidelines to protect their fellow citizens, ease the strain on the health service, and collectively save lives.

“Everyone must contribute to the national effort to respond to the coronavirus outbreak and I am grateful to the vast majority who have made significant changes to their daily habits and routines.

“I expect the high levels of co-operation to continue as awareness and understanding of the guidance increases. Stay indoors, stay safe, protect the NHS, and save lives.

“The Police Service of Scotland will continue to play its part, engaging with people, establishing their individual circumstances and explaining the risks to public health of failing to comply with guidance.

“Officers and the public must take a common sense approach to this unique emergency.

“We will always encourage compliance but, as a last resort, we will use the enforcement powers which are in place. 

“I am clear that policing in Scotland gains its legitimacy and authority from the consent and support of the public. Everything we do will be done in a fair, reasonable, and proportionate manner.”

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf added: “Everyone should be staying at home wherever possible and I am hugely encouraged by the high levels of compliance around the country after the first week of these rules being in force.

“These rules are in place to slow down the spread of COVID-19 which will protect the NHS and save lives. While Police Scotland have powers of enforcement, I expect that these will be used only as a last resort, and that the vast majority of people will use their common sense and play a full part in this country-wide effort.”

For all of the latest updates on coronavirus in Edinburgh,   visit our breaking news live blog here.

Another way to stay updated is by   joining our new Edinburgh coronavirus news Facebook group.

For the latest guidance on coronavirus from Health Protection Scotland, click here.

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