Figures show West Mercia Police has issued most face mask fines in the country

The latest figures, from the National Police Chiefs Council, show that a total of 40,156 fixed penalties have been issued across England and Wales since the start of the regulations on March 27 last year, and January 17 this year.

The highest number issued is 3,821, by Northumbria Police.

The breakdown of the numbers for West Mercia shows that the force has issued a total of 999 fines, and has been particularly strong on policing the use of face-masks, with around a fifth of all face-mask penalties in England and Wales issued by the force.

In total it has handed out the highest number of the penalties for any force, with 214.

There have only been four penalties for gatherings of more than 30 people, and seven for international travel regulation breaches.

Businesses

Businesses breaching rules have received seven penalties.

Dyfed Powys Police have issued 1,846 notices over the same period, but none for face-mask offences or gatherings of more than 30 people.

West Mercia Superintendent Mo Lansdale said they were thankful that the majority of the public had followed the rules.

She said: “We have issued a number of Fixed Penalty Notices (FNPs) for Covid breaches, including fines for those not wearing a face covering in a relevant place without reasonable excuse.

“We understand there are those who have exemptions and officers keep this at the forefront of their minds when approaching anyone who is not wearing a face covering in places such as shops, as per the regulations.

“Where we have reason to believe an offence has been committed under the Covid regulations we will issue FPNs where appropriate. This is ultimately for the safety and reassurance of the public and to save lives.

“The vast majority of the public are adhering to all the regulations despite the difficulties and strain they face and for that we are extremely grateful.”

Proportionality

West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said the force would continue to enforce the rules in a "proportionate" way.

He said: “As commissioner it is my duty to provide oversight and scrutiny to make sure that West Mercia Police is acting in the best interests of the communities it serves.

“This year has been one of the most challenging years in recent history, and it has brought with it exceptional challenges for policing, with the force needing to change and adapt to meet the changing demands of the national health emergency.

“West Mercia Police officers and staff have risen to the challenge, and the community should be proud of their police service’s contribution to tackling Covid-19. But, even as a vaccine is being rolled out, it’s likely that social restrictions will be necessary for some time to come.

“We are now seeing some light at the end of the tunnel with the roll out of the new Covid-19 vaccine, but we cannot afford to become complacent. The force still has a duty to uphold the current restrictions in a proportionate way that maintains the consent of the public.

“As commissioner I will continue to stand up for what our community needs to be kept safe, and that includes, for the time being, the policing response to Covid 19.”