Sheffield pair fined for breaching covid-19 regulations by camping at Peak District beauty spot

Derbyshire police attended following a report from the fire service on Monday April 27.

They found a man and a woman had set up a tent, a hammock and BBQ.

The 37-year-old man and 31-year-old woman, both from Sheffield, were given fixed penalty notices, and ordered to pack up their things, before being escorted away from the land.

PC Linda Hancock said: “We are working as part of a wider effort to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus infection and protect the NHS, and our role is to engage, explain and encourage people to follow the regulations.

“Most people are compliant and very understanding but unfortunately in this incident we were forced to issue fines for breaching the regulations. We will continue to be out in our local communities to play our part in keeping people safe.”

Under the Coronavirus Act legislation police have the authority to ask people about their journeys and activities, and to issue fines or make arrests if public health is being put at risk.

Officers have the power to issue fines to those flouting the stay-at-home government rules and people can even end up in court if those fines are not paid.

People should not leave home, and:

Only go outside for food, health reasons or work (but only if you cannot work from home).

If you go out, stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people at all times.

Wash your hands as soon as you get home.