NORTH Yorkshire Police has issued just 14 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) since some Covid restrictions were eased by the Government on March 29.

Over the bank holiday weekend, 11 FPNs were issued - all were for indoor gathering breaches, of which 10 occurred in the Scarborough area.

Commenting on the figures, Superintendent Mike Walker, who is leading North Yorkshire Police's response to coronavirus, said: “It is pleasing that the rightfully careful and cautious Step 1 of the Government’s Road Map Out of Lockdown has gone well in our area.

“This is testament to the outstanding partnership working we have in North Yorkshire and the City of York, plus the invaluable support from our communities who have experienced the collective effort to keep everyone safe during the pandemic.

“As we move to Step 2 of the road map on Monday 12 April, it is now more important than ever to keep following the health protection measures while the vaccination programme is rolled out.”

There is still no mixing of households allowed indoors until at least May 17 under Step 3, and the ‘rule of 6’ or two households remains in place regarding outdoor gatherings, including in private gardens.

Superintendent Walker says the force will continue to use the ‘4 Es’ approach to engage with the public, explain the regulations, encourage compliance, and enforce only as a last resort when a blatant breach has occurred.

Officers and PCSOs will also be on hand to support local authorities, trading standards and licensing partners during checks on businesses such as pubs and restaurants, who be able to provide outdoor hospitality from 12 April.

“This is clearly very welcome progress from the extremely worrying situation we faced just a few short months ago,” he added.

“Our message to everyone is to keep up this amazing effort. Please keep doing all you can to reduce the risk of catching Covid-19 or unwittingly spreading the virus to others.”