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Over the weekend, fines totaling more than € 20,000 were imposed on people who moved more than 5 km from their homes for non-essential purposes.
In Co Wickow, 170 people were fined € 100 each for traveling to the mountains, while another 30 in Co Longford received notices of fixed charges after they had traveled to Ballymahon, where Newcastle Woods is based.
Garda headquarters is collating figures for the remaining counties, but expects the number of tickets issued to more than double.
Gardaí says that despite widespread enforcement of Level 5 restrictions, Wicklow was an exception, with warnings issued to more than 200 motorists and cars returning on Saturday alone.
Gardaí at the checkpoint in Ballymahon said more than 70 drivers were asked to turn around and go home.
Roscommon / Longford Roads Policing today conducted an operation in Newcastle Woods, Ballymahon, in support of public health measures.
Approximately 70 vehicles were returned and more than 30 fixed payment notices were issued to parked vehicles found outside their 5 km. #StaySafeStayHome pic.twitter.com/w4TjePLbTZ– An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) January 17, 2021
Gardaí said that while it is important for people to exercise and breathe fresh air, this must be done within a 5 km radius of their homes in accordance with current Level 5 restrictions.
If public services are crowded, the public health advice is to avoid those areas.
Gardaí says that motorists run the risk of having their car towed and impounded if they illegally park in such services, because it can hinder access by emergency services.
Under Level 5 restrictions, people must stay home except to travel for work, education, or other essential purposes, but can exercise within 5 km of their home.
On Sunday, November 22, a series of fines for infractions of the Covid-19 guidelines came into force.
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Today, Gardaí in the Wicklow Division issued more than 70 fixed payment notices and returned more than 200 vehicles after issuing a warning to drivers.
The COVID-19 pandemic remains a public health crisis.
(1/2)#Stay at home pic.twitter.com/XwT7dy4wP8
– An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) January 17, 2021
Someone traveling without a reasonable excuse can be fined € 100, while organizing an illegal social or recreational gathering at home is fined € 500.
Ignoring a request to cover your face carries a € 80 fine.
A court summons can be issued if fines are not paid within 28 days.
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