Police imposed a massive £ 10,000 fine after breaking up a nightly gathering of dozens of people in Kingswood, near Tadworth, on Friday evening (January 2nd).
The gathering, which police viewed as violating strict rules to contain the spread of the coronavirus, was exposed after a large number of vehicles were found converging at an address on Stubbs Lane in Tadworth, Surrey.
Police said over 30 vehicles were found on the property and that “an inmate at the address claimed they were filming a video for a wedding party promotion”.
As in London, Surrey is currently subject to strict Tier 4 restrictions prohibiting people from leaving their homes except for material or important exceptional reasons and inter-household gatherings.
Covid-19 coronavirus cases are currently increasing in Surrey. According to the district council, over 7,800 new cases of the virus have been confirmed in the last seven days alone.
After having a large gathering at an address in #Kingswood in …
Posted by Surrey Police on Saturday 2nd Jan 2021
As a result, Surrey Police announced that they had imposed a five-digit “fixed fine” of £ 10,000 as part of their action against the gathering.
Temporary Deputy Police Commissioner Ali Barlow, who is in charge of local policing in Surrey, said: “We know this remains a challenging time and everyone is doing their best to adapt and follow the rules in place for the safety of all.
“We appreciate that friends and family want to get together on special occasions, and we are grateful to the majority who have abided by the restrictions and contributed to the safety of their loved ones and thereby supporting our frontline health colleagues.
Today’s update provides a comprehensive picture of # Surrey’s local #coronavirus infection rate, broken down by district and district: https://t.co/ROpDa3oyVN
Help #KeepSurreySafe:
• Wash your hands regularly
• Wear face covering
• Keep your distance when going out (2 meters). Pic.twitter.com/NHGyAEHjV0
– Surrey Prepared (@SurreyPrepared) January 4, 2021
“Our police approach to engaging, educating and explaining remains the same.
“However, if there are exceptional cases, just as a last resort, and if people openly disobey the rules, we will take enforcement action.”
