Backlash after couple fined for eating lunch by seaside

The backlash against Hampshire Police continues on social media after two people, who'd driven to eat their lunch in their car by the seaside, were fined.

The 40-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman from Southampton have been reported for summons for fixed penalty notices after they travelled to the Marine Parade car park in Lee-on-the-Solent on Thursday, 18 February 2021.

Police have confirmed the pair were fined for being in breach of Covid-19 regulations for travelling "to eat lunch by the sea'' while inside their car.

Gosport Police posted on Twitter: "A 40-year-old male and 34-year-old female, both from Southampton, were also yesterday reported for summons, relating to a FPN for breaching Covid-19 regulations in Lee-on-the-Solent.

"The pair had travelled to see a friend - a friend who had recently tested positive for Covid-19.''

A Hampshire police spokeswoman confirmed the pair had been fined because they had travelled without lawful excuse, not because they were from different households.

One Twitter user posted about the incident: "Get a grip this is getting out of hand now, we are becoming a police state, the respect is slipping away.''

Another posted: "Really, in they're (sic) car!! Don't let common sense get in the way.''

Another wrote: "It's gone way too far now these restrictions are ridiculous.''

Others suggested the location was "local'' to their home in Southampton and one person posted: "But Boris can ride 7 miles from Downing St.''

The force spokeswoman said: "The message is simple, you should be staying at home. It's vital that everyone understands this and observes the restrictions in place.

"We would like to remind everyone that we all need to play our part in adhering to the Government restrictions in order to prevent the spread of this deadly virus.

"Robust enforcement action will be taken by police as required, where blatant breaches in public places or private premises are reported to us.''