More than 360 coronavirus lockdown fines issued by police in South Yorkshire

A total of 366 fines were issued across South Yorkshire between March 27 and Monday, June 22, the latest data from the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) shows.

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Across England, 15,856 fines were dished out by police forces during that period, though just 189 of those came in the fortnight to June 22, compared to a high of 5,280 in the two weeks to April 27.

North Yorkshire Police issued 1,122 fines, the most of any force in England.

Police were first given powers to break up gatherings and fine people for breaching restrictions on March 27, with the fines initially set at £60 before rising to £100 in England from May 13.

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Since lockdown restrictions were first eased on May 13, 1,691 tickets have been issued in England, with just 358 handed out from June 1, when groups of six people were allowed to meet outdoors.

Nearly four fifths of fines issued in England and Wales were to men, with more than two thirds to people aged under 35.

A total of 787 tickets went to repeat offenders, with two people receiving eight fines and three people seven.

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NPCC chairman Martin Hewitt said: "As restrictions ease further from July 4 in England, it is important for everyone to take more personal responsibility for their safety by continuing to follow official advice and government regulations.

“Limiting the spread of the virus should still be everyone's priority."