Preston man fined for trying to cross the Channel... to go on holiday

More than 40 people have been hit with fines after trying to cross the Channel since the weekend.
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Many admitted they were going on holiday and tried to get to France even after being stopped by police.

Among those fined were a man from Preston, two men and two women from Barnsley, two men and a woman from Ipswich, a man from Welling and several people from London, Coventry and Essex, Kent Police confirmed.

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Kent Police said the man from Preston was travelling for the purposes of a holiday and was given a fixed penalty notice for breaching the current Government legislation (up to £200 for a first offence).

The White Cliffs of Dover and The English Channel (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)The White Cliffs of Dover and The English Channel (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
The White Cliffs of Dover and The English Channel (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Assistant Chief Constable Claire Nix said: “It is very worrying that despite the well-publicised national restrictions and advice, some people still aren’t getting the message.

“Unless you have to travel for work or have a legitimate reason to be arriving at the Port of Dover or the Channel Tunnel, our officers will turn you away.”

Elsewhere in Kent, one man from Folkestone and another from Ashford were both fined for holding parties of more than 15 people at their properties.

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A man was also given a fixed penalty notice at a pub on the Isle of Sheppey after patrols attended to find people inside who did not live at the premises.

Fines were issued under the Health Protection Coronavirus Regulations in England.

Ms Nix added: “Covid-19 remains a deadly threat, one which simply cannot be ignored by those who feel now is the time to hold parties or go on holiday to visit their families in other parts of the world.

“We all need to play our part and make sacrifices to keep everyone safe and to support the NHS at this extremely challenging time. The Government has been clear about the restrictions and we will continue to enforce them whenever we have to.”

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