Fines have been issued to people breaking Covid-19 regulations on one Valleys train line according to British Transport Police.
Fixed penalty notices were given to passengers not adhering to Covid-19 on the Ebbw Vale Town train, which passes through Newport and Cardiff, by BTP officers patrolling the line last week.
In total, four Covid-19 fixed penalty notices were issued last week, in addition to over 20 youths being removed from stations.
BTP said it focused on policing the Ebbw Vale Line after “reports of persistent antisocial behaviour.”
In Wales, police can fine individuals £60 for breaching coronavirus regulations, rising to £120 for a second breach.
This comes as the latest in a series of actions by police to enforce Covid-19 restrictions in the region.
Over the weekend, Gwent Police conducted patrols across the force area after “reports of gatherings occurring and people travelling unnecessarily.”
Inspector Nikki Hughes of Gwent Police said: “We attended locations across the entire county area, including Abergavenny – at the Blorenge and the Sugar Loaf – as well as Caldicot Castle, Chepstow Park Wood, Tintern and Wentwood Forest.
“Officers engaged with and encouraged those in attendance to return to their homes, reminding them of the current guidance in effect in Wales.
“The current alert level requires everyone to think about their travel plans, stay at home and to only leave home when it is essential.”
Inspector Hughes added that officers will “take enforcement action” if individuals are found to be breaking lockdown measures.
In Cwmcarn Forest Drive, officers from Gwent Police also issued fines to motorists breaking Covid-19 restrictions over the weekend.
Fifteen “Covid-19 breaches” were found to be taking place at at the popular beauty spot on Saturday and Sunday, resulting in police officers issuing fines to the motorists in question.
A further 25 motorists were also issued with warnings while visiting the popular Gwent beauty spot, with some individuals having travelled from as far afield as Bristol.
Speaking on Wednesday morning, Chief Constable of Gwent Police Pam Kelly said that officers had heard some “bizarre excuses” from Covid rule breakers, with 200 cars being stopped last weekend.
The chief inspector said that 95% of people are sticking to the rules, but there 5% were ruining it for others.
“We are moving to enforcement quicker,” she said.
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A spokesperson for British Transport Police said: “The Government’s instruction is clear – stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives.
“As has been the case throughout the pandemic, our officers will conduct high-visibility patrols to reinforce this message as well as support rail staff and passengers, ensuring those who need to use the railway are safe.
“Officers will continue engaging with passengers, asking questions to establish the circumstances of their journey and explaining the regulations which are in place to keep all of us safe.
“Those identified as not having a lawful reason to be away from their home can expect to receive a fixed penalty notice.
“I encourage anyone planning to leave their home under an exemption to consider whether travelling is really essential, and if it isn’t please remain local.
“This is a difficult time for all of us, but these restrictions are in place to protect the NHS and save lives.”
-- to www.walesonline.co.uk
