More than 1,000 fines were imposed by Cheshire police for violating Covid-19 laws over Christmas and earlier this year, figures show – around three-quarters of all fines imposed since the pandemic began.
However, the police’s approach has been challenged by MPs and colleagues who described the fines as “messy, discriminatory and unfair” when they called for a review.
In a report, the Joint Human Rights Committee (JCHR) said the coronavirus law had been misunderstood and misapplied by police.
Figures released by the National Police Chiefs Council show that between March 27th last year and April 18th this year, a total of 1,649 firm criminal charges were issued by the Cheshire Constabulary.
That includes 1,209 fines after December 20 – 73 percent of the fines handed out by officials since the pandemic began.
The numbers also show the number of fines imposed in recent weeks, with 185 imposed by officials between March 14 and April 18.
Across England and Wales, police have issued 110,322 criminal complaints under Coronavirus (Restrictions) laws.
However, the JCHR has criticized the system, raising concerns about the validity of the fines, the inadequacy of the review and appeal process and the level of the penalties.
The maximum fine for violating a Covid-19 law is £ 10,000.
JCHR Chair Harriet Harman said: “Police have had difficulty monitoring the pandemic.
“We hope their original approach of getting involved, explaining and encouraging before solid criminal charges are made – will continue.
“However, there have been more FPNs since January as the police move faster to enforcement action.”
According to a JCHR report, coronavirus rules have changed at least 65 times since March 2020, presenting the police with “obvious challenges”.
The report said, “It is amazing that the coronavirus law is still being misunderstood and misapplied by the police, so that every single criminal complaint made under the law has been wrongly filed.”
Of the fines in Cheshire from March 27th last year to April 18 this year, there were eight for not wearing face covering when necessary and 16 for violating international travel rules.
There were also 12 for business rule violations.
The remaining fines related to offenses not specifically provided for by the NPCC at the armed forces level.
The figures refer to the end of the tier system, which introduced stricter restrictions on the hospitality industry and a ban on travel between areas of different tiers.
The third national lockdown followed on Jan. 6 when people were told to stay at home.
Since then, schools have been closed again in March, followed by a rule allowing groups of up to six out of two households to meet outside.
In April, the measures were further relaxed with the opening of retail stores, public buildings and holiday apartments.
The NPCC said it would review the recommendations in the JCHR report.
Deputy Police Commissioner Owen Weatherill, NPCC Chief of Police Response to Covid-19, said: “Police have adapted quickly to changes in these unprecedented circumstances.
“When new regulations are enacted, we ensure officials have additional guidance on the legislation and continue to support them to reduce any errors in application.”
“We realize, however, that we didn’t get it right under all circumstances.”
He added that the NPCC would work with its criminal justice partners to correct any errors.
