Motorcyclist fined for riding from Ashford to Rye ‘to take photos’

Sussex Police issued 258 fines over the weekend, which a spokesman said saw ‘scenic drivers’ out across Sussex in the warm weather.

A couple from Crawley also drove to Beachy Head to exercise, police said.

In a Tweet, Sussex Police said: “The warm weather has seen ‘scenic drivers’ out across Sussex to ‘see the sea’.

“One motorcyclist rode from Ashford to Rye to take photos. A couple from Crawley drove to Beachy Head to exercise.

“Just two of the 258 fines this weekend. We are in lockdown – please stay local.”

This was not the first weekend police have reported issuing Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) as they enforce Covid-19 regulations in the national lockdown.

Between January 15 and January 17, the force issued 120 Fixed Penalty Notices

This included a man who was fined for breaching Covid-19 regulations after driving from Bexhill to Eastbourne to fill up with petrol.

Others who received fines included a couple who drove 88 miles to go to Beachy Head, Eastbourne, for some fresh air, those at three large gatherings inside properties in Brighton and Hove, and a group of six people from different households who were sitting inside a Hove beach hut.

At the time, Superintendent Julia Pope said: “We know the overwhelming majority of people in Sussex are doing the right thing by staying home, wearing masks and social distancing, but the amount of the FPNs the force issued over the weekend is concerning.

“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 4E’s approach and enforcement action will be taken against those who are still 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.”