A man and a woman were fined after driving to eat their lunch in their car by the seaside, having visited a friend with Covid-19.
The 40-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman from Southampton, Hampshire, were reported for summons for fixed penalty notices after they travelled 15 miles to the Marine Parade car park in Lee-on-the-Solent.
A Hampshire police spokeswoman confirmed the pair had been fined because they had travelled without lawful excuse, not because they were from different households.
Gosport Police posted on Twitter : "A 40-year-old male and 34-year-old female, both from Southampton, were also yesterday reported for summons, relating to a FPN for breaching Covid-19 regulations in Lee-on-the-Solent.
"The pair had travelled to see a friend - a friend who had recently tested positive for Covid-19."
The decision to fine the pair divided opinion on Twitter.
One Twitter user posted: "Really, in they're (sic) car!! Don't let common sense get in the way."
Another wrote: "It's gone way too far now these restrictions are ridiculous."
But others suggested the location was "local" to their home in Southampton with one pointing out: "But Boris can ride 7 miles from Downing St." and not face a penalty.
The current lockdown rules make it clear though that travelling without good cause should be avoided.
The force spokeswoman added: "The message is simple, you should be staying at home. It's vital that everyone understands this and observes the restrictions in place.
"We would like to remind everyone that we all need to play our part in adhering to the Government restrictions in order to prevent the spread of this deadly virus.
"Robust enforcement action will be taken by police as required, where blatant breaches in public places or private premises are reported to us."
