Gardai now have the power to impose on the spot €100 fines on anyone found exercising more than 5km from their home or found making journeys without a legitimate reason.
Up until now, anyone who was found to be breaching the “5km from home” rule - either to exercise or making non-essential journeys - could be prosecuted but gardai had to take the case against them through the DPP’s office.
However, the system has now been
streamlined to the extent the fines are instant and gardai can decide to impose
them without being required to consult with the DPP.
Under the current rules in place that
aim to stop the spread of the virus, people can leave home if they have a
legitimate reason.
This includes going to work if they cannot
work for home, caring for an ill or isolated family member or loved one,
shopping for essentials or attending medical treatment.
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People can also leave home to exercise, but they must stay within 5km of home when exercising. And now under the new procedures, anyone exercising more than 5km from home or making non-essential journeys can be fined €100 on the spot.
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The new rule does not specifically target cyclists. Instead, it applies to everyone exercising, including cyclists, as well as anyone making non-essential journeys.
Deputy Commissioner John Twomey said: "An Garda Síochána continues to see significant compliance by the public with Public Health Regulations, however we also continue to see some activity which is in contravention of these regulations introduced to stop the current spread of Covid-19 and protect our communities.
“I appeal to every person without a reasonable excuse for travel - Stay at Home, this is your duty as a citizen and will save lives and support our front line services, nurses, doctors, hospital staff and my Garda colleagues at this time.”
When announcing the move, gardai set out
a list of sanctions there were recently imposed on people found to be more than
5km from home without a legitimate reason. The sanctions ranged from fines of
€150 to four months in prison.
Under the new system while the €100
fines can be imposed on the spot, and a notice seeking payment will later
arrive via the postal service, gardai can still opt to take a case through the
DPP, which can result in a court appearance and stronger sanctions.
However, gardai have also said they will
continue to engage with people and explain the rules, adding that enforcement –
including €100 fines – would only be used as a last resort, when people refused
to go home.
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