A man who drove 30 miles to pick up a takeaway in Walton was one of a number of people fined for breaching the latest Covid lockdown measures in Surrey.

Surrey Police revealed that the man had embarked on a 60-mile round trip from Buckinghamshire and was picking up a takeaway in Walton when he was stopped by police after driving "erratically".

A spokesperson for the county police force, who yesterday (January 18) revealed they had issued over 100 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) for lockdown breaches since the third lockdown began, said:

"Enforcement action taken in the last week included issuing a fine to a man who was stopped after driving erratically in Walton Town Centre.

"The man explained he lived in Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire (over 30 miles away) and had gone out for a drive and to buy a takeaway (believed to be fried chicken)."

Other people who breached lockdown measures and were subsequently fined by Surrey Police included:

  • A man with an FPN after he explained that he was travelling from Surbiton to Guildford by train to purchase some cannabis.
  • A couple who were found late at night in a car in Grandstand Road car park, Epsom Downs. They had travelled from separate households in Coulsdon and Croydon.

Chief Inspector Dan Gutierrez offered his thoughts after the county force officially recorded three figures in the number of Covid-breaching fines they had issued:

"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 "hundred mark" for FPNs issued this lockdown is not a matter for celebration," he said.

"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," Inspector Gutierrez added.