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A TOTAL of nine people across Argyll and West Dunbartonshire were issued fixed penalty notices for failing to adhere to COVID-19 government guidance.

Across the whole of Scotland, officers issued 144 fixed penalty notices under the new legislation between Friday, 27 March and Wednesday, 1 April.

Police Scotland Chief Constable Iain Livingstone has thanked the public for their overwhelming support and co-operation on social distancing designed to save lives and protect the NHS during the coronavirus outbreak.

Whilst only nine people across the local police division where fined, 46 fixed penalty notices were issued in nearby Greater Glasgow.

Mr Livingstone said: “People recognise that it is their duty to adhere to these guidelines to protect their fellow citizens, ease the strain on the health service, and collectively save lives.

“I expect the high levels of co-operation to continue as awareness and understanding of the guidance increases. Stay indoors, stay safe, protect the NHS, and save lives.

“The police service of Scotland will continue to play its part, engaging with people, establishing their individual circumstances and explaining the risks to public health of failing to comply with guidance.

“We will always encourage compliance but, as a last resort, we will use the enforcement powers which are in place.”

The regulations give officers the power to enforce social distancing among the wider public, with the sanction of penalty notices where there has been an offence.

Police Scotland can issue penalty notices of £60, reduced to £30 if paid within 28 days, where they have reason to believe there has been an offence under the regulations.

Due to the exceptional nature of these powers, the regulations will be reviewed at least every 21 days to ensure they are still necessary.