Not before time, Derbyshire Police are having to wind their collective, bully-boy, neck in. From today’s BBC News website:-
>>A police force that was criticised for its "intimidating" approach to two walkers is to review its lockdown fines policy
Jessica Allen and Eliza Moore said they were surrounded by police after driving five miles from their home for a walk on Wednesday, and fined £200 each.
Derbyshire Police initially said driving to exercise was "not in the spirit" of lockdown.
But it now says new national guidelines mean it will review its position.
In a statement, the force said all of its fixed penalties issued during the new national lockdown will be reviewed.
But in a statement, the force said further guidance issued by the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) had "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."
The NPCC added that rather than issue fines for people who travel out of their local area "but are not breaching regulations, officers will encourage people to follow the guidance".
The force has now said it will be "aligning to adhere to this stance".
And the bit I really love:-
>>Assistant Chief Constable Kem Mehmet said: "We are grateful for the guidance from the NPCC.<<
You can just hear him hissing it through gritted teeth!
Mike