Sheffield people flouting lockdown rules will face huge fines, Government warns

Police in Sheffield can impose huge fines on coronavirus rule breakers.

placeholder image — Police in Sheffield can impose huge fines on coronavirus rule breakers.

People in Sheffield who flout coronavirus lockdown restrictions in England will face huge fines, the Government has warned.

Justice Secretary Robert Buckland said law enforcement would continue its approach of "policing by consent" to encourage the public to comply with the four-week lockdown currently in place in England.

But he added that police would respond to "egregious breaches" and then the law would "take its course".

He said: "Where a more intense intervention is needed then the police will be involved and of course the fine structure is still in force."

Currently there is a £200 fine for each breach which doubles on every offence up to a maximum of £6,400.

And organisers of large gatherings face a £10,000 fine.

The National Police Chiefs Council has also warned the most serious offenders will face fines.

Mr Buckland said he supported the police clamping down on the "tiny minority" of people who are not willing to obey the lockdown.

People in South Yorkshire are being urged to report people who breach the lockdown restrictions and South Yorkshire Police has set up a dedicated unit to deal with people flouting the rules.

Under the current restrictions in England, pubs, restaurants and all non essential shops are closed until December 2 with a ban on household mixing also in place in a bid to stem rising coronavirus infection rates across England.

Anyone wishing to report a breach of coronavirus restrictions can do so on the South Yorkshire Police coronavirus restrictions breach website HERE