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Police forces must stop issuing COVID-19 “super fine” over concerns that the fixed £ 10,000 fine may be challenged in court.
The National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) is issuing guidance for police chiefs, recommending that their officers issue a subpoena rather than a fixed penalty notice.
One of the country’s top police and criminal commissioners has said he is “deeply embarrassed” by the confusion surrounding one of the government’s key powers to stop mass rallies during the coronavirus emergency.
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jameson have written to Police Minister Kit Malthouse, demanding clarification on the fines.
Fixed penalty notices were introduced in September, allowing police to heavily fine organizers of raves and other mass gatherings.
The NPCC said they had “advised all forces to take enforcement action temporarily by subpoena, rather than issuing a fixed penalty notice worth £ 10,000.”
“We gave this advice due to a possible disparity between those who choose to pay the FPN and those who see their case go to court, where the FPN would be verified based on personal income.”
The NPCC spokesperson said they were now urgently working with the government to rectify the situation.
Sky News understands that a possible solution could involve officers informing those who issue a fixed fine that they have the right to opt for judicial process.
