Coronavirus: Police will use enforcement as ‘last resort’ in Peterborough

The force has been on patrol across Peterborough and Fenland since Boris Johnson announced a week ago

severe restrictions on movement, with people asked to stay at home and ordered to keep a gap of at least two metres from others.

Officers have also begun spot checks in Peterborough and set up road blocks as they look to clampdown on people leaving their homes without good reason.

Police have been granted powers of arrest to those breaching the rules and can fine perpetrators £60, but a force spokeswoman said this was being avoided wherever possible.

She said: “When it comes to these new restrictions enforcement is the last resort. Officers will first try to engage with those ignoring the restrictions, encourage them to go home and explain why the Government advice is so important to keep us all safe.

£We will do everything possible to advise people on the guidelines and ensure as many people as possible help protect the NHS by staying at home and saving lives.

We are continuing dedicated patrols across Cambridgeshire to engage with our communities as we do day in day out and ensure people adhere to government advice.

“Our advice to the public is please help us to help you in this national health crisis and only go out if absolutely essential. The answers to many coronavirus queries regarding essential travel can be found at www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

The Peterborough Telegraph asked if police had issued fines or arrested any individuals under their new powers but was instructed to submit a Freedom of Information request.

Authorities are given 20 working days before by law having to answer an FOI.

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