Man Who Drove 30 Miles For Chicken Takeaway in Surrey Fined £200

Published on: 19 Jan, 2021
Updated on: 21 Jan, 2021

A man who drove 30 miles to pick up a chicken takeaway is among more than 100 people in Surrey issued with £200 fixed penalty notices (FPN) for breaching the rules since the latest lockdown began on January 4.

The man was stopped after driving erratically in Walton-on-Thames town centre. He said he lived in Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire (more than 30 miles away) and had driven to buy a takeaway. Another man fined said he was travelling from Surbiton to Guildford by train to buy cannabis.

A couple found late at night in a car in Grandstand Road car park, Epsom Downs, had travelled from separate households in Coulsdon and Croydon. Both were issued with FPNs.

Chief Inspector Dan Gutierrez said: “We know the overwhelming majority of people in Surrey are doing the right thing by staying home, wearing masks and social distancing, but passing the 100-mark for FPNs issued this lockdown is not a matter for celebration.

“We understand the past year has been incredibly difficult for everyone but the virus is still very much here and we all need to do what we can to help prevent the spread.

“The rules and regulations are there for a reason and people should not be trying to find loopholes for their actions. Your actions could have serious consequences to the health of others.

“Our officers will continue to use the 4Es approach and enforcement action will be taken against those who are blatantly breaching the rules as if they do not apply to them.

“Please, let’s all work together to help prevent this virus, protect the NHS and save lives.”