Two women who were fined £200 each when they drove five miles for a walk have had the penalties withdrawn.
Jessica Allen and Eliza Moore were walking at Foremark Reservoir, Derbyshire, when they were "surrounded" by officers.
At the time Derbyshire Police insisted driving to exercise was "not in the spirit" of the most recent lockdown.
But new national guidance for police has led the force to quash the fines, and apologise to the women. 'Apology'
Chief Constable Rachel Swann said the fines "have been withdrawn and we have notified the women directly, apologising for any concern caused".
The two friends travelled the short distance to the reservoir from their homes in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire, on Wednesday afternoon.
They said their cars were "surrounded" by police. They were then questioned on why they were there and told the hot drinks they had brought along were not allowed as they were "classed as a picnic".
In a statement, the women said: "This afternoon we both received a phone call from Derbyshire Police.
"After reviewing our case, our fines have been rescinded and we have received an apology on behalf of the constabulary for the treatment we received.
"We welcomed this apology and we are pleased to draw a line under this event."
After the incident gained media attention, the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) "clarified the policing response concerning travel and exercise".
The guidance said: "The Covid regulations which officers enforce and which enables them to issue FPNs [fixed penalty notices] for breaches, do not restrict the distance travelled for exercise."
I agree the rules are quite clear in Gov.Uk on the internet, surely they are mostly common sense, stay away from this virus, it can kill you or someone you pass it on too,
If you break the law you will be fined.
It is time to enact more stringent rules and stop spoon-feeding people who take the government's money to rescue them and then bite the hand that gives to you.
To give us all a better chance these antisocial people should not be given any encouragement.
This prevents a lot of people from giving money to organised charity, the one I refer to in my previous reply has an expensive ad on television which is no more than emotional blackmail. This turns a lot of people off, the organised charities,
Like others on here, I help where I can, and get the money to the people it was meant for.
I don't like to see any animal unhappy, but if it comes to hungry children or unhappy donkeys I choose to help the children and any of my less fortunate human beings. You only have so much time to give. I can't help everyone
tomcatty Forum Posts (6,885)
RE: Don’t treat us like Covididiots
Two women who were fined £200 each when they drove five miles for a walk have had the penalties withdrawn.Jessica Allen and Eliza Moore were walking at Foremark Reservoir, Derbyshire, when they were "surrounded" by officers.
At the time Derbyshire Police insisted driving to exercise was "not in the spirit" of the most recent lockdown.
But new national guidance for police has led the force to quash the fines, and apologise to the women.
'Apology'
Chief Constable Rachel Swann said the fines "have been withdrawn and we have notified the women directly, apologising for any concern caused".
The two friends travelled the short distance to the reservoir from their homes in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire, on Wednesday afternoon.
They said their cars were "surrounded" by police. They were then questioned on why they were there and told the hot drinks they had brought along were not allowed as they were "classed as a picnic".
In a statement, the women said: "This afternoon we both received a phone call from Derbyshire Police.
"After reviewing our case, our fines have been rescinded and we have received an apology on behalf of the constabulary for the treatment we received.
"We welcomed this apology and we are pleased to draw a line under this event."
After the incident gained media attention, the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) "clarified the policing response concerning travel and exercise".
The guidance said: "The Covid regulations which officers enforce and which enables them to issue FPNs [fixed penalty notices] for breaches, do not restrict the distance travelled for exercise."