East Kilbride's top cop says locals are adhering to lockdown measures – but warns his officers aren’t afraid to enforce their new powers.
Chief Inspector Lex Baillie was speaking after four fines were issued across Lanarkshire on the first weekend of lockdown as people ignored social distancing rules.
And he said cops were going to crack down on group meetings after reports of incidents across the area.
Chief Insp Baillie said: “Enforcement is very important and we expect the vast majority to comply. It will only be in exceptional circumstances when our efforts to explain, engage and encourage have failed, and there is no alternative, we shall carry out any enforcement.”
Police Scotland were given new powers by the Scottish Government to fine people for breaking coronavirus lockdown restrictions.
Fines of £60 will be issued to those who refuse to stay at home and only go outside if they have a ‘reasonable excuse’.
The government said the unprecedented measures were needed to “reduce the spread of coronavirus to protect the NHS and save lives”.
New public health regulations – which will expire in six months – allow police to instruct people violating the guidelines to go home, leave an area or disperse, and to ensure parents stop their children from breaking the rules.
Reckless individuals were spotted ignoring crucial COVID-19 public safety advice by flocking to local beauty spots the weekend before lockdown.
Scores of families and large groups of people were spotted at Calderglen Country Park and James Hamilton Heritage loch soaking up the sunshine.
And it was no different at the weekend, with shocking images showing high numbers of people in Strathclyde Country Park.
A large group of youths on bikes and scooters were also seen congregating in East Kilbride town centre. And even former News reporter Lorraine Kelly highlighted the problem on Good Morning Britain.
She told Piers Morgan her mum, who still lives in EK, aired concerns over groups of teens out boozing in the afternoon, with Lorraine asking: “When are they going to get the message?”
Officers here have so far issued two tickets in Hamilton – one to a 16-year-old and one to the father of a 15-year-old who had not complied with the legislation.
Both teenagers were together in Hamilton town centre and failed to heed advice and go home.
In North Lanarkshire, two fines were handed out in Motherwell.
Police have so far issued 25 fines across the country. Chief Insp. Baillie told the News last week that there had been a spike in calls to the East Kilbride office due to school leavers “causing annoyance” on their last day.
Their irresponsible actions go completely against the Prime Minister’s stringent instructions to stay at home and adhere to social distancing measures in order to prevent further spread of the deadly coronavirus, while decreasing pressure on the NHS.
Police can issue penalty notices of £30, rising to £60 if not paid within 28 days, where they have reason to believe there has been an offence under the new regulations.
These penalties are doubled for each repeat offence up to a £960 cap.
