'People need to use their common sense' - Police spot checks in Edinburgh reveal public still breaching Covid-19 lockdown rules when outdoors

Police spot checks around Edinburgh in the last couple of days have revealed some members of the public are still breaching the Covid-19 lockdown rules.

Pictures seen by the Edinburgh Evening News showed officers on Wednesday speaking to people who were sitting on benches on a path by the Water of Leith. Some were reportedly seen sitting on benches eating and drinking, while one person was spotted using their laptop.

The UK Government’s guidance clearly states that people should only go outside for food, health reasons, essential work which can’t be done from home, and exercise once a day. When outside, people should maintain a two metre distance with people from another household at all times.

Police officers speak to members of the public by the Water of Leith.

Edinburgh’s Chief Superintendent Sean Scott, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, says the majority of people are complying with the restrictions but said officers have identified people who are out and about, or gathering in groups, “without a reasonable excuse.”

Police say they want to engage with and educate the public on the guidance and stress that enforcement is a last resort. However, figures on fines issued may soon be available.

Edinburgh City Council posters by the Water of Leith are reinforcing the Government’s message and state specifically that stopping to eat or drink is a breach of the guidance.

The council’s guidance also urges people to not get in their car and drive to other areas and, while dog waking, keep pets on a lead or under close control and not let them approach other people.

Police officers engaging with members of the public.

Lothian MSP Miles Briggs (Scottish Conservative) said: “The vast majority of people in Edinburgh and the Lothian’s are following official guidance very diligently to slow down the spread of Coronavirus.

“This guidance has not been put in place lightly and is there to save lives, but will only be effective if everyone follows it.

“It is disappointing that some people are not following official guidance as closely as they should be, and it’s regrettable that we’ve got to a situation where people are being fined for not sticking to the guidance.

“People need to use their common sense when they are going outside, not just to protect themselves, but to slow the spread of coronavirus and protect those in the community who are most vulnerable to infection.”

An Edinburgh City Council poster beside the Water of Leith.

Chief Sup Int Scott said: "The overwhelming majority of the public have been complying with the restrictions. We recognise these measures place a number of challenging demands on the public, but it's really important that people comply in order to save lives and protect the NHS.

“In the course of our daily patrols we have identified some people who are out and about, or gathering in groups, without a reasonable excuse and we have taken the appropriate action on these occasions, by engaging with them, explaining the legislation, encouraging compliance, and if necessary taking enforcement action as a last resort.

“I want to thank everyone supporting the effort to tackle the spread of Covid-19, whether in their role as a key worker, or by simply staying at home. As we approach the Easter weekend, I would again reiterate the importance of complying with these instructions so that together we can limit the impact on the NHS and save lives.”