On the spot fine for breaking lockdown rules issued in Burnley was one of 123 handed out in county over weekend

The fine was given to the man for flouting government guidelines regarding lockdown rules.

Police have new powers to enforce these rules under the New Coronavirus Act to halt mass gatherings and also challenge anyone who is travelling unnecessarily. Fines can also be given to parents who allow their children to roam the streets.

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said they were not looking to criminialise people but to make sure they follow life saving guidelines adding: "We will take a common sense and proportionate approach, but equally we will use these new powers if people refuse to follow the regulations.

"Enforcing the powers is a last resort but they are there to keep people safe and we will use them wherever we need to. "

Burnley and Padiham Police also said they had also received a number of reports of gatherings which they are looking into.

The new powers sanctioned by the government allow the police to instruct members of the public to go home, leave an area or disperse if they are not complying with guidelines.

If they do not comply officers can issue a fixed penalty notice of £60, which will be lowered to £30 if paid within 14 days

Fixed penalty notices of £120 can also be issued for second time offenders, doubling on each further repeat offence.

Individuals who do not pay a fixed penalty notice under the regulations could be taken to court, with magistrates able to impose unlimited fines.

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