POLICE on COVID-19 patrol have issued 15 fixed penalty notices to a gathering of people in a Bromsgrove Park.

Officers dispersed a group of people who had met up in Sanders Park today (Saturday January 9) and issued 15 fines.

They tweeted: "We’ve dispersed a gathering in Sanders Park today which breached lockdown rules and 15 FPNs were issued.

"Vast majority of the community are keeping to the rules which will help save lives, so thank you #StayHomeSaveLives #protecttheNHS."

 

 

Under lockdown rules people must stay at home whenever possible, except for when there is a “reasonable excuse”.

These reasons include work, volunteering, food shopping, exercise or medical reasons.

But if the police catch someone leaving their home without what is classed as a “reasonable excuse” a fine can be imposed.

The cost of a first offence is £200, which is lowered to £100 if paid within 14 days, and £400 for a second offence. The fine is doubled for each further offence up to a maximum of £6,400.

A maximum of two people from up to two households can meet outdoors.

Exercise has been limited to once a day within your local area and must be done on your own, with those in your household or support bubble, or one other person.

There are still circumstances in which you are allowed to meet others from outside your household, childcare or support bubble in larger groups, but this should not be for socialising and only for permitted purposes. A full list of these circumstances can be seen here.

Fines can be issued by the police if you are caught breaking these rules. The fines start at £200 for a first offence and double up to a maximum of £6,400.

If you hold an illegal gathering of more than 30 people the police can issue a fine of £10,000.