ONE further fine was issued to lockdown flouter by Lancashire Police in the ten days as the numbers dished out continue to drop.

The latest figures show that between June 11 and June 22 the number of fixed penalty notices given out in the county overall increased to 771.

In the two weeks the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations 2020) first came into force, Lancashire officers dished out 380 fines.

The latest figures show that Lancashire is now seventh place in terms of forces which have issued the most tickets, behind North Yorkshire, The Met, Devon and Cornwall, Sussex, West Yorkshire, Dorset and Thames Valley.

Nationally, 15,856 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) have been recorded by forces in England up to 22 June for breaches of government public health regulations. In Wales, 2,583 FPNs have been issued in the same timeframe.

The majority of fines continue to be issued to males in the 18-34 age group, with fines more likely to be given at weekends. 700 people have been given more than one fine in England, for further breaches of restrictions.

National Police Chiefs’ Council Chair, Martin Hewitt said:“Since lockdown restrictions began to ease the number of fines issued has seen a sustained fall across the country. Our approach of engaging with the public, explaining the regulations in place and encouraging them to do the right thing will continue.

“Officers have used their common sense and discretion to take in to account people’s individual circumstances. We will only enforce as a last resort, against those who are in clear breach of the regulations. Behind each fine is a case where someone has failed to listen and do the right thing.

“As restrictions ease further from the 4 July 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.

“I would like to again thank the vast majority of people for abiding by the lockdown measures and government advice.”