We are now in the second week of coronavirus lockdown and several Bristol residents have already been caught flouting lockdown rules.
The majority of police forces across the country have been praised for using common sense when it comes to enforcing rules while others have been accused of being overzealous.
This has prompted questions as to how a member of the public can challenge a fine if they feel it was unfairly issued to them, Birmingham Live reports.
Officers can take action if they "reasonably believe" someone is in contravention as long as the decision is "necessary and proportionate".
In particular, they can order someone to go home, leave an area, have the power to disperse a group and can remove someone using "reasonable force, if necessary".
They can also can arrest someone refusing to comply and issue £60 fines - reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days.
How can I appeal the fine?
Firstly, you can check the paperwork you were given for details of the fine or ask the police force in question for information on what warranted the fine - and under what law the penalty was issued.
If the fine is contested, the person receiving the fine can challenge the decision at a magistrates' court.
A hearing would likely take place where a magistrate listens to both sides as to why the fine was issued and whether it was justified or not.
They then decide whether the fine still stands or should be cancelled.
However, anyone who decides to go down this route should be aware that challenging a fine could end up costing more than the original penalty due to court costs.
