A COUPLE who drove 88 miles to the Sussex coast "for some fresh air" are among the 120 people fined over the weekend for breaching lockdown rules.

Sussex Police issued 120 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) between Friday and Sunday to people who failed to comply with Covid-19 regulations, including the couple, who had driven to Beachy Head in Eastbourne.

Fines were also given to people at three large gatherings inside properties in Brighton and Hove, and a group from six different households who were sitting inside a beach hut in Hove.

READ MORE: Coronavirus: Brighton bin collections could be disrupted

A man who drove from Bexhill to Eastbourne "to fill up his car with petrol" was also fined.

Superintendent Julia Pope described the number of rule breaches in one weekend as "concerning".

She said: “We know the overwhelming majority of people in Sussex are doing the right thing by staying home, wearing masks and social distancing, but the amount of the FPNs the force issued over the weekend is concerning.

“We understand the past year has been incredibly difficult for everyone but the virus is still very much here and we all need to do what we can to help prevent the spread.

SEE ALSO: Coronavirus: How full is my hospital amid Covid wave?

“The rules and regulations are there for a reason and people should not be trying to find loopholes for their actions. Your actions could have serious consequences to the health of others.

“Our officers will continue to use the 4E’s approach and enforcement action will be taken against those who are still blatantly breaching the rules as if they do not apply to them.

“Please, let’s all work together to help prevent this virus, protect the NHS and save lives.”