Locked-down public praised by police
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POLICE Scotland has thanked the general public and businesses for on-the-whole compliance with the new law designed to slow the spread of coronavirus.
On Friday, officers were given the power to fine people who refuse to stay at home and only go outside if they have a "reasonable excuse" as social distancing is enforced.
Indications show officers issued only 25 penalty notices across the whole country over the weekend, which police say were handed out as a "last resort".
Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said: "We have been given extraordinary powers in an extraordinary situation, powers we would not normally wish to have. But I’d like to thank the public for helping and supporting us."
High-visibility patrols have been in operation across Scotland since the powers were granted.
Mr Graham said: "It’s clear that the vast majority of people are complying with the measures. They know the message is to stay at home, and by and large, they’re doing that.
"Where our officers have encountered people outside, they’ve been able to engage with them or educate them on why it’s so important to follow the guidance from our public health experts in order to save lives and protect the NHS."
Mr Graham added: "There will always be people who refuse to comply, but the low number of penalty notices shows they are in the minority and in those cases we’ve had to use enforcement as a last resort."
He said the rules were a "big change to the way people live their lives and they need to adjust to that". He added there were issues with people driving to outdoor spaces such as parks and the force would work with councils to address this.
People are being asked to stay at home and only go outside to shop for necessary food, household and medical supplies, travel to and from work where working from home is not an option, and daily exercise that adheres to social distancing rules.
Under the law, police can issue penalty notices of £30, rising to £60 if not paid within 28 days. The penalties are doubled for each repeat offence up to a £960 cap, with no reduction for early payment.
Due to the exceptional nature of these powers, they will be reviewed at least every 21 days to ensure they are still necessary.
