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couples from Southampton drove to Lee on Solent (17miles)
1st couple to sit in their car while eating sandwiches and watching the sea view --fined by Police

2nd couple drove to visit a friend who they knew had tested POSITIVE the day before- fined

The first case quite honestly I fail to see what harm was in that They would be more of a risk walking around a potentially busy town or park - which is allowed Some common sense ought to be used here, I reckon.

The second case was just plain stupidity Criminal stupidity

The second lot should be locked up, not just fined. How bluddy stupid.

Case 1.

This is a tough call for the police because with the latest lockdown what was once advice has now been written into law and the law was being broken.

I was not joking the other day when I said that I have a shopping list and bag on the passenger seat when I go on a drive to top up the battery - that's the reason. I am breaking the law, but my excuse is that I cannot use public transport so I need the car for shopping, and it has to be a working version. At least the bag and shopping list gives the cops an excuse to just issue a verbal and send me home.

Case 2.

I hope the fine is a big one - each - and rigidly enforced.

With regard to case 1, it has always, since the first lockdown, been Dorset Police stated policy that if you travel more than 5 miles to a beach, you're infringing the law. I think it was a bit of a reaction to the Durdle Door / Bournemouth Beach fiasco back last early summer, but nevertheless, that's the case. How far it's a "frightener" and how far it's actually enforced, I don't know.

.... I have a shopping list and bag on the passenger seat when I go on a drive to top up the battery ....

Very wise in the current cimate, especially as one of the Yorkshire police forces has a reputation for zealousness ....

Ah that's true enough Ossie! My BiL was one of the paramedics who attended that incident, and he did say it was awful

Case 1 I agree should have been issued with a warning; a fine is a bit excessive - but then the law is the law (not that it's always right!).
As for case 2, cannot believe how stupid they were. Visiting friends is one thing but doing so knowing that the person tested positive is just totally stupid and irresponsible and they deserve everything they got.


Frank, your comment made me laugh. Right at first lock-down I 'broke the law' in that I still continued meeting up with Karl and Nadine; we basically created out bubble before it became an official thing. I'd always have a bag of non-perishable goods with me; just in case I did get stopped - I could always say I had either been shopping or was taking items to Karl and Nadine. Admittedly it was never needed but still...

But encouraging news on the radio this morning with some easing of lockdown to be announced today

meriad wrote:Frank, your comment made me laugh. Right at first lock-down I 'broke the law' in that I still continued meeting up with Karl and Nadine; we basically created out bubble before it became an official thing. I'd always have a bag of non-perishable goods with me; just in case I did get stopped - I could always say I had either been shopping or was taking items to Karl and Nadine. Admittedly it was never needed but still...

There are some devious people about...