Over £13,000 in fines issued across Sheffield and South Yorkshire as Tier 2 lockdown starts

Thirty five fines totalling £13,460 were handed out for Covid-related breaches in the region this week after offenders failed to turn up to court.

Fixed Penalty Notices have been issued to 35 people across the region, costing between £220 and £660, in addition to court costs and victim surcharges, for breaking the lockdown rules.

It comes after South Yorkshire was moved into the second tier of the government’s lockdown system, subjecting people across the country to high level restrictions that prevent them from mixing with other households in any indoor setting.

Police are urging people to adhere to the new restrictions and comply with the lockdown measures to avoid being issued with a fine.

Superintendent Paul McCurry said officers seek to engage with the public initially and explain the current measures but will now take a stronger stance against clear-cut breaches of the rules as cases continue to rise.

“These emergency powers were introduced fairly quickly, and in a time of great uncertainty for the public”, he added.

"It was only right that we gave people the opportunity to become familiar with what they were being asked to do.

“However, we are now in a position where everybody should understand the seriousness of the situation we are facing.

"These rules are in place to prevent further strain on our NHS and protect the public – especially society’s most vulnerable.”

Under the new measures, it is prohibited for people in South Yorkshire to gather in groups of more than six outdoors, unless an exemption applies.

People who test positive for the virus or are informed that they have been in close contact with someone who has, now legally have to self-isolate.

Supt McCurry continued: “Our officers are stepping up patrols in high risk areas and we working closely with businesses, licensing and local authorities to share information and ensure the rules are being followed.

“Many people have made a great deal of sacrifices throughout this pandemic and I can’t thank them enough. However, we will take action against those who are sabotaging the efforts of the majority.”

Visit the police website to report a suspected breach of the new regulations.

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