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total of 49 car enthusiasts have been fined for breaching Covidregulations after officers shut down an illegal car meet in Romford.
Police were called to reports that around 50 vehicles had gathered in the Ferry Lane area at just before midnight on Saturday.
Body worn camera footage shows officers approaching the cars after they found the group speeding around a nearby roundabout and mixing with other drivers without any social distancing.
Det Chf Supt Stephen Clayman said: It is unacceptable that people are still breaking the rules at a time when there is so much pressure on the NHS. It is more important than ever before that people follow the regulations.
Police on patrol in Hyde Park in central London on Sunday. Photograph: Jonathan Brady/PA
Mon 18 Jan 2021 03.11 EST
First published on Sun 17 Jan 2021 14.25 EST
Police have issued fines to coronavirus rule breakers including those who held a party in a garden shed and a group of more than 40 people who gathered for illegal car racing.
In the 10th month of the pandemic, police have clamped down on those clearly breaking the rules, with forces being asked by government to increase enforcement as the death toll from the virus mounts.
Police in Swansea issued fines after finding eight people partying in a garden shed in Sketty that housed a bar.
Their analysis estimates that 43 per cent of the borough s population is infected with Covid, compared to the recorded figure of 7.3 per cent.
Edge Health, which works with NHS trusts across the country, estimates that there are 130,806 cases in Redbridge alone and 54 per cent of the population are infected in Barking and Dagenham.
Detective Chief Superintendent Stephen Clayman, East Area Commander said: If we come across blatant breaches of these rules, we may move quickly to enforcement action and this will certainly be the case with large gatherings, such as house parties and unlicensed music events. The police have a key part to play during this pandemic and officers are putting themselves at risk every day as we continue to respond and deal with all types of calls, so please follow the health advice and keep the pressure off the NHS at this critical time.