Warning as Brierley Hill police spot "a lot more people gathering in groups"

The message was put out on twitter yesterday (Friday February 26) as people were spotted meeting up in the warmer weather.

Officers in the Brierley Hill Policing unit are warning people that "although the weather is starting to improve, lockdown rules do still apply.

They tweeted: "Direction to leave and fines will continue to be issued.

"Please follow the rules until we are all told different.

"Many thanks."

It has been noted that there are lot more people gathering in groups. Although the weather is starting to improve, lockdown rules do still apply. Direction to leave and fines will continue to be issued. Please follow the rules until we are all told different. Many thanks.

— Brierley Hill Police (@BrierleyHillWMP) February 26, 2021

Under lockdown rules people must stay at home whenever possible, except for when there is a “reasonable excuse”.

These reasons include work, volunteering, food shopping, exercise or medical reasons.

People are allowed to leave their home to exercise with their household (or support bubble) or one other person (in which case they should stay 2m apart).

Exercise should be limited to once per day, and people should not travel outside their local area.

If police catch someone leaving their home without what is classed as a “reasonable excuse” a fine can be imposed.

The cost of a first offence is £200, which is lowered to £100 if paid within 14 days, and £400 for a second offence. The fine is doubled for each further offence up to a maximum of £6,400.