Man fined after lockdown train trip from Bristol to Wolverhampton
A man has been fined after travelling from Bristol to Wolverhampton by train during lockdown.
Police and council staff have been patrolling Wolverhampton encouraging everyone to stick to the latest lockdown rules and prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Just over 70 directions to leave were issued across the city on Thursday along with three fixed penalty notices, including to one man who had travelled from Bristol to the city by train despite restrictions banning travel that is not essential.
Warning letters were also issued to eight addresses after complaints regarding illegal gatherings and West Midlands Police said those warned would be fined if caught breaking the rules again.
However police and councillors said the vast majority of shops and businesses have been complying with the rules and doing their bit to keep infections down.
Superintendent Simon Inglis, from Wolverhampton Police, said: "The vast majority of people understand the severity of the situation.
"The city has a high level of Covid cases and by sticking to the rules we can fight back against this disease with vaccinations on the way.
"While it's pleasing most are sticking to the regulations, we won't just sit back against those who blatantly don't.
"If we hear of gatherings at homes we will act. We regularly monitor complaints and those which continue to flout rules will face action."
The infection rate in Wolverhampton was at 878 cases per 100,000 people in the seven days to January 18, according to the latest Government figures.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, cabinet member for public health and wellbeing at Wolverhampton council, said: "The infection rate has risen dramatically in Wolverhampton over the last month or so and over 2,100 people tested positive for Covid-19 last week.
"That’s why it is even more important that we do all we can to stop the spread of Covid-19.
"The rules are there for a reason and I'd like to thank the vast majority of people who are doing their bit and stopping the virus from spreading; for those that aren’t you need to start respecting others and playing your part in the fight against coronavirus."
