42 Covid fines issued by Cambridgeshire police after house parties in Cambridge and Waterbeach
Police issued more than 40 fines of £100 over three days to people attending house parties in and around Cambridge in breach of Covid-19 restrictions.
Twenty were issues to women aged between 17 and 29, while a further 22 were issued to men aged 18-35.
They were attending house parties on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (October 30-November 1) in five locations, including in student accommodation in the city, at Ravensworth Gardens in Cambridge and in Harvey Way in Waterbeach.
Cambridgeshire Constabulary and Cambridgeshire County Council urged people to follow the rules set out by the government to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Ahead of the lockdown, due to come in to force on Thursday , the restrictions prevent groups of more than six people meeting.
Police can issue fines of up to £200 for the first offence, doubling for each further offence up to a maximum of £6,400.
Anyone holding, or involved in holding, an illegal gathering of more 30 people, could be fined £10,000.
Assistant Chief Constable Vicki Evans said: “We understand that with a second lockdown upon us it is tempting to meet friends and relatives for one last party but we urge everyone, for the sake of the health of their families and friends, to continue to follow the law.
“Our message throughout this pandemic remains the same that this is about personal responsibility. While the majority of people are acting responsibly, there are a few who are choosing to ignore the guidance and causing disruption for the local community.
“We will continue to use the 4 Es of engaging, explaining, encouragement and enforcement, but where people fail to respond, fines will be issued as they have been this weekend.
“The rules are very clear, that for now, no more than six people can be together inside or outside.”
Dr Liz Robin, the director of public health for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, added: “Covid-19 spreads between people through social contact – which is why lockdowns are effective in controlling the spread of the virus.
“Any last-minute increase in socialising before the lockdown regulations come in on Thursday would be counter-productive and reduce the impact of the four-week lockdown.
“It’s essential that everyone of us does our best to protect the most vulnerable and the ability of our health service to care for everyone who needs it.”
For more information about the current Covid restrictions in Cambridgeshire, visit https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus.
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