Police told not to punish people for travelling a 'reasonable distance' to exercise

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Police forces should not punish people for travelling a ‘reasonable distance’ to exercise, they have been told, following criticism of heavy-handed tactics used to enforce the coronavirus lockdown.

The new guidance, issued by the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) and the College of Policing also states that COVID-19 road checks on every vehicle are ‘disproportionate’.

It comes after Derbyshire Police faced a backlash for filming walkers with drones to deter visitors to the Peak District, while South Yorkshire Police have been stopping motorists at checkpoints.

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A coronavirus checkpoint on Chesterfield Road in Heeley, SheffieldA coronavirus checkpoint on Chesterfield Road in Heeley, Sheffield
A coronavirus checkpoint on Chesterfield Road in Heeley, Sheffield | Other 3rd Party

The new guidance states: "Use your judgement and common sense; for example, people will want to exercise locally and may need to travel to do so, we don't want the public sanctioned for travelling a reasonable distance to exercise.

"Road checks on every vehicle is equally disproportionate. We should reserve enforcement only for individuals who have not responded to engage, explain, and encourage, where public health is at risk."

Police have been told to be ‘consistent’ when using new powers brought in after the Government introduced social distancing measures last week.

People can only leave their homes to go shopping for basic necessities and medicines, to exercise, or to go to work if their job cannot be done from home.

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Officers can fine or even arrest those flouting the rules under legislation enacted last Thursday.

But comments from government ministers have sometimes gone beyond the scope of the law, leading to potential confusion.

Some forces, including Derbyshire, said on Tuesday they had not used the new powers once, while Lancashire Police issued 123 fines for breaches of the rules over the weekend.

The guidance, which has been updated since it was originally sent to forces last week, said policing should be ‘by consent’ with the initial response to ‘encourage voluntary compliance’.

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It says: "There is no power to 'stop and account'. The police will apply the law in a system that is flexible, discretionary and pragmatic.

"This will enable officers to make sensible decisions and employ their judgement. Enforcement should be a last resort."

It comes after Derbyshire Police Chief Constable Peter Goodman defended using drone footage to deter people driving for walks in the Peak District.

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