POLICE have been given the power to fine and arrest anybody who breaks the lockdown rules, but what does this ACTUALLY mean? 

As part of the lockdown to halt the spread of coronavirus Boris Johnson has ordered people to stay at home and only leave their house under a list of 'very limited purposes' like getting to work if they absolutely have to or going shopping for vital supplies. 

Thames Valley Police officers have already been out on the streets cracking-down on non-essential journeys by asking drivers where they are going.

Last week police in Bicester stopped a dad and his son from driving around playing Pokemon Go. 

Today it was also revealed that police were sticking flyers on car windows asking drivers 'why are you here?'

Thames Valley Police haven't actually given out ANY fines yet (across the entire force) but officers have arrested and charged 16 people for breaking the rules. 

Some police forces have been criticised for being too heavy-handed in their approach, but here is what the rules are and what it actually means for you: 

  • People can only leave their homes for reasons listed under government guidance: shopping for basic necessities like food and medicine, one form of exercise a day alone or with people from your household, any medical need including donating blood or avoiding risk of harm, travelling to work but only when you cannot work from home.
  • Police can instruct groups of three people or more to disperse 
  • Police can remove any one person from a gathering and send them home.
  • Anybody outside without a valid reason could be committing an offence and could be fined.
  • If the fine is paid - no criminal offence has been committed.
  • Fixed Penalty Notices (fines) cost £60 and are reduced to £30 if they are paid within 14 days. 
  • Police can give out another fine of £120 for second-time offenders.
  • Fines will double in price each time somebody is caught. 
  • Anybody who refuses to pay will be prosecuted at Magistrates Court and could face the maximum penalty of an unlimited fine.