A total of 224 Covid fines were dished out over the weekend, half of which went to people attending house parties. 

Police across the county issued 162 more tickets for coronavirus regulation breaches in the last three days than they did over the same period last weekend.

The breaches included a birthday party in Buckshaw Village, a birthday party in Blackpool, people from as far away as Bradford and Birmingham enjoying the sunshine on Blackpool promenade, and groups from different households socialising in Ormskirk.

Officers say the increase in demand was possibly down to the good weather experienced across Lancashire on Saturday and Sunday.

A spokesperson for the police said: "Between 7am on Friday and 5.30am on Monday, we issued a total of 224 tickets for breaches of the coronavirus regulations, which is a rise on the 162 tickets issued last weekend.

"This is in line with the general increase in demand we have seen, possibly as a result of the good weather."

Incidents from the last three days include:

  • A number of people from Birmingham and Bradford enjoying walks on Blackpool promenade;
  • Several people failing to self-isolate after arriving in the UK from abroad;
  • A birthday party at an address in Blackpool, with between 10 and 15 people in attendance;
  • Several different groups of people from different addresses socialising in Ormskirk;
  • A birthday party in Buckshaw with at least 10 people in attendance;
  • Several people from different addresses found out and about in vehicles together.

The two main reasons for police issuing tickets were house parties (which alone accounted for 122 of the fines issued over the weekend), and people mixing or travelling with people outside of their household.

Ch Supt Sam Mackenzie, of Lancashire Police, said: “We know a lot of people feel this lockdown has been especially difficult, and some fatigue may have set in.

"However, we also have hope that in the near future the lockdown restrictions won’t be necessary.

“We put that at risk if we become complacent now.

"Infection rates are still high in parts of the county and it is really unfortunate and disappointing that we’ve seen an increase in the reports of breaches of the regulations this weekend.

"What worries me most is that if people relax too soon we won’t come out of the restrictions as quickly as is possible.

“That said I am really pleased to say most of the communities of Lancashire are still be doing their very best to stay within regulations and follow the guidance, and the breaches we are reporting reflect the particularly selfish actions of a minority of people.

“We are continuing to spend most of our time dealing with crime and keeping people safe, and having to attend breaches of coronavirus rules is not a welcome distraction when people should and do know better.

“We have always taken a proportionate approach to issuing fixed penalty notices – educating, explaining and engaging first, with enforcement as a last resort – but we will not hesitate to take a firmer approach when people blatantly break the rules.

“Our sincere thanks, as always, go to the majority of people who are continuing to follow the regulations. We are incredibly grateful to them for doing their bit in fighting the virus.”