Police Scotland reveal how many fines have been issued in Edinburgh using emergency powers

In Edinburgh alone, officers have issued 118 fixed penalty fines to people breaking restrictions imposed by the Scottish government in March.

New figures released by the force reveal that across the capital, police used their new emergency powers to arrest eight people who failed to comply with their orders, and returned three others to their homes “using reasonable force.”

A further 370 Edinburgh residents return to their homes after being asked to by an officer - but 46 only did so when ordered to.

Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham, strategic lead for Police Scotland’s coronavirus response, said: “The people of Scotland have stepped forward during this public health emergency to do their part to protect the NHS and save lives.

Lockdown fines.

“In Scotland, we have been able to maintain a highly visible presence in our communities as our officers and staff work round the clock to engage with our fellow citizens, explain these requirements and encourage people to co-operate with them.

“The message is clear - you should only leave the house for very limited purposes, for example for basic necessities, such as food and medicine, for daily exercise, for medical needs or travelling for work which cannot be done at home.

“Avoid driving as much as possible. Use spaces close to home for exercise and do not drive for leisure.

“Do not hold house parties with people from outwith your household.

“As these restrictions persist and the warm weather sustains, people must not be tempted to ignore that message.”

Chief Superintendent Sean Scott, of Edinburgh Police, said: “This has been a difficult and testing time for many of us, but I am delighted by how positively the overwhelming majority of people within Edinburgh have responded to the restrictions.

Across the country, police have attended 7,800 lockdown incidents in total, but said the vast majority of cases were dealt with verbally.

Despite that, 78 people across Scotland have been arrested under the new emergency powers, and the force has issued 1,637 fines since the lockdown began.

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