Falkirk's top cop warns COVID-19 enforcement action will be taken even as restrictions ease

The Forth Valley area’s divisional commander thanked people for sticking to the rules but said his officers will still be taking enforcement action if anyone breaches COVID-19 restrictions – even as they start to ease off.
By James Trimble
Published 14th Apr 2021, 08:21 BST
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Chief superintendent Alan Gibson said: “I would like to thank the vast majority of people who are sticking the rules to suppress the spread of coronavirus. The sacrifices people have made have allowed some restrictions around travel and gatherings to be eased from Friday.

“We are going to see increased traffic on our roads and if you are visiting beauty spots then I would urge you to please do so safely and respectfully - leaving no trace of your visit. Please also park responsibly to allow emergency access.

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“I would also remind people that under the new restrictions, gatherings are limited to six people from six households meeting outdoors only.

Police Scotland have warned Falkirk residents they will still be enforcing COVID-19 regulations even as restrictions begin to easePolice Scotland have warned Falkirk residents they will still be enforcing COVID-19 regulations even as restrictions begin to ease
Police Scotland have warned Falkirk residents they will still be enforcing COVID-19 regulations even as restrictions begin to ease

"Our approach throughout the pandemic has been to engage with the public, explain the legislation and encourage compliance, but we will not hesitate to use our enforcement powers as a last resort.

“This approach will continue as restrictions continue to be eased over the coming months.”

Superintendent Gibson’s message police are continuing to enforce the COVID-19 laws comes at a time people are still attending house parties and indoor gatherings despite current coronavirus restrictions.

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According to recent Police Scotland COVID-19 enforcement figures – which are released every Friday – a total of 216 people across the Forth Valley area were spoken to by officers and ordered to leave house parties or gatherings in the first week of April.

And one person from the area was arrested for COVID-19 breaches.

In Scotland as a whole 448 fixed penalty notices were issued to people who ignored COVID-19 restrictions and nine people were arrested.

When the coronavirus pandemic began to take hold the UK and Scottish Governments introduced separate pieces of legislation in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in communities – these included restrictions imposed by The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 and Coronavirus Act 2020.

When enforcing these laws, police officers have the power to issue fixed penalties ranging from £60 up to £960 for non-compliance.