No fines for face coverings disobedience in Scotland

Published 14th Jul 2020
Last updated 14th Jul 2020

No fines have been issued since new lockdown measures on face coverings were introduced in Scotland last week.

The PA news agency understands Police Scotland have not given out any fixed penalty notices since the requirements came into effect on Friday.

Scottish Government rules mean legally members of the public must wear the items in enclosed spaces such as shops and on public transport.

Exemptions from the measures include when communicating with someone who is lip-reading, children under five years old, people with some medical conditions and workers who are separated by a screen.

The UK Government announced on Tuesday that face coverings will be made mandatory in certain situations in England from July 24, with potential fines of £100.

In Scotland, a police officer may issue a fixed penalty notice for £60 for breach of the rules, reduced to £30 if paid within 28 days.

If a person has already received a fixed penalty notice, the amount will increase to £120 and double on each further repeat offence up to a maximum of £960.