Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Dame Cressida Dick has said that rule breakers are “increasingly likely” to face fines as police forces across England are moving “more quickly” to enforce the rules.
Dick said it is “preposterous” for anyone to say that they are not aware of the lockdown restrictions in place.
Writing in The Times newspaper the Commissioner said, “It is preposterous to me that anyone could be unaware of our duty to do all we can to stop the spread of the virus.
“We have been clear that those who breach Covid-19 legislation are increasingly likely to face fines.”
The Crime and Policing Minister, Kit Malthouse hopes that there will be an increase in fines and arrests over Covid rule breakers.
Speaking to Sky News Malthouse said, “If people play by the rules and they recognise the police are doing a difficult job in very challenging circumstances, and cooperate, then hopefully the four ‘Es’; encourage, all that kind of stuff, before we get to enforcement, will have an effect.
“But I think you will find that the police are quicker to move to enforcement. That’s certainly what they have indicated is their intention.
“Because we really, really have to recognise how severe the problem is and the fact we are in our worst position for some time.”