More than 400 lockdown fines issued across Hampshire and Dorset
PEOPLE are being urged to continue obeying government restrictions on non-essential travel as it was revealed police handed out hundreds of fines to lockdown flouters.
Hampshire police issued 197 fixed-penalty notices across the county between 27th March and 27th April, and officers in Dorset handed out 255 between 27th March and last Wednesday.
Regular patrols have been carried out at parks, beaches, beauty spots and other public places across the New Forest and Christchurch since the lockdown was put in place.
The restrictions imposed by the government on 23rd March are intended to reduce the spread of coronavirus, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives nationwide.
Although both forces have praised the majority of Hampshire and Dorset’s populations for abiding by the rules, they were disappointment by the number who failed to cooperate.
There have also been reports of abuse being hurled at officers as they challenged some flouters.
A post on the Waterside Police Twitter account said a patrol was verbally abused as it dealt with a large street gathering around a fire in Marchwood on Saturday night.
The following day, officers confronted a number of people when they responded to reports a group of about 20 was piling into a New Forest street after leaving a children's party.
A Waterside Police tweet afterwards said: “Covid-19 and complacency are a killer combination with 1,000s of loved ones dead before their time.
“Please don't be selfish.”
Officers also issued advice and warnings to motorists on Sunday as they responded to reports of vehicles parked at New Forest car parks around the Wilverley and Longslade areas. With the public car parks closed off, many drivers have been parking on verges, damaging the grass.
Assistant Chief Constable Scott Chilton said engaging with the public and explaining what was needed continued to be the most effective part of Hampshire police’s enforcement.
“The people we have spoken to have generally understood why we have approached them,” he said.
“Unfortunately, there have been a few instances where we have had to issue fines.
“We will continue to take action where people refuse to comply. But the vast majority of people that our officers have spoken to understand the importance of doing all they can to prevent the spread of infection.
“I am grateful for everyone’s patience during this incredibly testing time. This isn’t easy but we will come through this in the coming weeks and months.”
People visiting Dorset from other parts of the country accounted for a number of the incidents that led to the 255 fixed penalties being handed out in the county.
Among these were three who had travelled from Surrey to “look at nature”, a group of four who had driven from Slough to walk at Durdle Door and someone who travelled from Nottingham to visit Lulworth Cove.
Chief Constable James Vaughan said: “Despite the continued reminders of the restrictions, advice about non-essential travel and the rising number of deaths, some people still don’t think the rules apply to them.
“We are not out of the woods yet and it is imperative that we all stick within the spirit of the guidance and only leave home for essential travel.”
Stressing enforcement continued to be a “last resort” for his officers, Mr Vaughan said this was emphasised by the fact they had stopped and spoken to thousands of people since the lockdown started.
But he added: “However, we will not tolerate people who travel hundreds of miles because they want to see the sea or visit one of our tourist hotspots. The guidance is clear – we should stay at home unless we need to make essential journeys.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill also shared his disappointment with the number of people still ignoring the restrictions.
He said: “It’s vitally important everyone understands our county remains closed until lockdown is lifted, and we all need to continue to stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.
“Now is not the time for people to try pushing back against the restrictions – if you persist, you will get fined.”
Meanwhile, Dorset’s chief constable has sought to assure the county’s residents that the force remains as dedicated as ever to its other responsibilities regardless of the pandemic.
Low levels of sickness among its officers due to the virus was cited as one of the main benefits towards it being able to continue work to protect the people of Dorset.
“We have continued to respond to incidents reported to us during this unprecedented time, support vulnerable people and continue to investigate crime as we always have, albeit with an adapted approach at times,” Mr Vaughan continued.
“The response from our officers and staff during this time has been exceptional and I would like to thank each and every member of the Dorset Police family for the commitment and dedication they have shown adapting to new ways of working and the various challenges we have faced.”
Between 23rd March and 26th April Dorset Police’s control room handled 9,208 emergency 999 calls, 18,813 non-emergency 101 calls and 10,639 other non-emergency contacts, including online and walk-in services.
The force has recorded 3,732 crimes, 14,569 incidents and has searched for 373 missing people.
A murder was among a range of serious offences investigated by officers and staff in crime and criminal justice teams during the crisis, as well as drug dealing, serious assaults and offences committed against children and other vulnerable people.
Enquiries have resulted in 830 positive outcomes, and a total of 753 people have gone through Dorset’s custody suites.
