Sussex Police reveal number of Covid fines issued over weekend

Clouds cleared over the Sussex coast over the weekend, with the blue skies and warmer temperatures drawing crowds to tourist hotspots such as Beachy Head.

In Brighton, huge numbers made their way to the beach. Queues for ice cream and coffee stretched along the seafront, with many then sitting on the beach.

• READ MORE: Thousands flock to Brighton and Hove seafront

But, under current lockdown rules, this is not allowed.

The rules state: "You must not leave or be outside of your home except where you have a ‘reasonable excuse’. This is the law. The police can take action against you if you leave home without a ‘reasonable excuse’, and issue you with a fine (Fixed Penalty Notice)."

Police have revealed the number of Covid fines issued in Sussex over the weekend

Police officers were seen patrolling along the seafront and moving people on who were sitting on the beach.

Yesterday, Sussex Police issued a statement on their action over the weekend.

The force said: "We’ve noticed the volume of cars on the roads have increased significantly since the roadmap announcement a week ago.

"Please remember, we remain in lockdown, and if you do have to leave your house, you should be staying local – your village, town, or part of the city where you live."

• READ MORE: Three arrested over Covid rule breaches in park

Officers issued 258 Covid fines over the weekend, with those guilty of breaching restrictions giving excuses such as going for a "scenic drive", travelling to "see the sea" and just being "out for a ride".

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "We’ve had people both from within and outside of Sussex driving around without a valid reason.

"Some were drawn to beauty spots like Beachy Head, travelling from Crawley and Portsmouth to exercise along the seafront.

"One motorcyclist had driven from Ashford to Rye to take photos; others had met with friends and were riding in a group.

"A driver in Brighton said he’d been to a job interview on a building site – quick checks were done, there was no building site."

Police have revealed the number of Covid fines issued in Sussex over the weekend

For the majority of the coronavirus pandemic, Sussex Police have been following "the four Es" approach to preventing people from breaching restrictions.

The force website says: "Engage. Explain. Encourage. Enforce. First we will try to engage with someone, explain how we think they are breaking the rules, and encourage them to change their behaviour to reduce the risk to public safety and health.

"If people still do not follow the rules the police can tell them to disperse, tell parents to stop their children breaking the rules or fine them.

• READ MORE: Hampshire pair drive to 'see the sea' in Sussex (despite living in Southampton)

"If someone continues to ignore the instructions, the police can arrest them if they think it is proportionate and necessary."

In England, people over the age of 18 can be fined £200 for their first offence. This is lowered to £100 if paid within 14 days.

A fine of £400 is issued for a second offence, and this figure doubles for each further offence up to a maximum of £6,400.

Police have revealed the number of Covid fines issued in Sussex over the weekend

Police across the UK can take action if people leave their home without a "reasonable excuse" or meet in larger groups.

People found to have held, or have been involved in holding, an illegal gathering of more than 30 people, can face a fine of £10,000.