Police warn of potentially eye-watering instant fines for lockdown breachers in Hartlepool as health chiefs make stay home plea

Cleveland Police now have the power to ensure people do not leave their homes “without reasonable excuse” and avoid non-essential travel.

Officers can order people to go home, leave an area or disperse.

Related: Confirmed cases double in Hartlepool

They can also issue £60 fixed pentalties, rising to £120 for second-time offenders, and doubling on each repeat offence.

Anyone who does not pay can be taken to court, with magistrates able to impose unlimited fines. If they still refuse to comply, police can arrest them.

Chief Superintendent Thom Mcloughlin, Head of Local Policing, said officers have seen large numbers of people flock to beaches and beauty spots to walk their dogs and exercise, including Seaton Carew.

He said some had driven from out of the area to visit them, contravening government guidance and putting communities at risk.

“I am really disappointed that people have gone out to beaches and beauty spots to walk their dog or go for a run, putting their own lives, as well as the lives of their friends and families at risk,” he said.“Where people are going out to exercise, they should do this in the local vicinity of their home and not travel across the county. “Whilst we now have the powers to enforce protection in order to help save lives and protect our NHS, policing by consent is at the heart of our public service.

He added: “We will continue to encourage and support our communities to comply with the restrictions, but it’s right that our officers are now able to enforce against those who disregard these measures and put others at risk.“I would hope that the majority of our communities understand the gravity of what is happening at the moment and understand that these measures are in place for a reason, but we are prepared to, and will not hesitate to, enforce these new powers in order to protect the wider community.”Dr Patricia Riordan, the council’s Director of Public Health, said people should only leave the home when absolutely necessary.

She said: “It is vital that people accept their responsibilities and do whatever they can to try and help prevent the spread of infection.

“By staying home, they will be playing a key role in helping to protect the NHS and there is no doubt their actions will help to save lives

“If people go outside to exercise, their activity must start and finish at their home.

“People should ensure that they stay two metres away from other people at all times and they must wash their hands as soon as they return home.”

She also provided warnings as to how easily the virus can spread.

Dr Riordan said: “Where people use the town’s parks to exercise, they are reminded that children’s play areas remain closed.

“This is because the coronavirus can live on some hard surfaces for many hours, and to prevent people congregating in groups.

“It is important to remember that it is still possible to spread the virus even if you don’t have any symptoms.”

Under strict measures to fight the coronavirus outbreak announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier this week, people are only allowed to leave the house for specific reasons:

:: Shopping for "basic necessities", as infrequently as possible

:: One form of exercise a day such as a run, walk or cycle

:: Medical reasons, to provide care, or to help a vulnerable person

:: Travelling to and from work, but only if it is "absolutely necessary" and cannot be done from home