Concerns new Covid 19 restrictions will put 'intolerable pressure' on police

A Hampshire police officer is worried about the impact of the changes.

The campaign ran throughout December
Published 9th Sep 2020

Groups of more than six people will be banned from meeting up in England from Monday (14th September), both in and outdoors.

This doesn't include household groups or support bubbles and there will be exemptions for wedding, funerals, school and work.

The governement has taken the decision in response to a rise in coronavirus cases.

Police will be able to issue £100 fines - which could rise to £3,200 for repeat offenders.

John Apter, who's also Chair of the National Police Federation, says it will have a knock on effect on police forces across England

"That will put an awful lot of pressure on policing which is already really being pushed to the limits. The day to day policing business, the normal jobs we are going to we are busier than before this pandemic came upon us,so policing is really stretched."

Hampshire Police officer and Chair of the National Police Federation John Apter

He's also urged the government to make sure the rules are clear.

"The government needs to have a really good and effective information campaign explaining to the public exactly what is expected of them because there is a lot of confusion out there at the moment."

The full list of exemptions will be revealed by the government before the law changes on Monday.

The latest details will be published on the government website - https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus