The National Police Chiefs Council last week instructed police forces of England and Wales to cease issuing £10,000 fixed penalty notices to organisers of large gatherings. The prohibited gatherings of over 30 people, including indoor raves, gatherings at private dwellings, and certain outdoor events, had carried the largest value of fixed penalty notice in UK legal history since late August.
The NPCC stated that only one of 66 £10,000 FPNs issued to date had been paid. The reason for the change was so that the cases could be dealt with by courts instead which would set a fine more in line with the offender’s income. Forces are now instructed to temporarily deal with these cases by way of summons instead of FPN.
This is unlikely to solve any problems. The police do not have the power to prosecute breaches of the Covid19 regulations; the regulations state prosecutions are to be brought by the CPS of councils.
(see also: The Times, 18/11/20, page 11 print edition, unable to find online)
The NPCC stated that only one of 66 £10,000 FPNs issued to date had been paid. The reason for the change was so that the cases could be dealt with by courts instead which would set a fine more in line with the offender’s income. Forces are now instructed to temporarily deal with these cases by way of summons instead of FPN.
This is unlikely to solve any problems. The police do not have the power to prosecute breaches of the Covid19 regulations; the regulations state prosecutions are to be brought by the CPS of councils.
(see also: The Times, 18/11/20, page 11 print edition, unable to find online)