New lockdown rules are ‘unpoliceable’ and ‘unenforceable’ because they’re so confusing, warns top cop

NEW lockdown rules are “unenforceable” and the public will now “do what they want to do”, policing leaders have warned.

From today, people from different households can now meet in groups of six in private gardens, so long as they stay two metres apart.

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It is understood police chiefs have told the government that policing the new restrictions is unenforceable unless it is a mass gathering.

This weekend, warm weather saw large numbers of people flock to beaches and parks around the UK – with pictures showing that social distancing was not being followed.

Ken Marsh, chair of the Metropolitan Police Federation, told the Daily Telegraph: “I don’t think the public are taking much notice of what is laid down in front of them. They are doing it how they want to do it. In terms of it being enforceable, I don’t think it is.”

He said the new rules were unclear and “unpoliceable.”

He said: “What are the rules? This is what I keep saying. I don’t think they are very clear. I think they are ambiguous. Any interpretation can be used on them. People will do what they want to do. The youth are not bothered because they think coronavirus won’t affect them.”

Mr Marsh added: “I am worried that we are doing this too quickly. I am worried that another peak is still possible. We are only just below one for the R rate, and have been for three weeks. I understand why because of the economy and the need to socialise but it concerns me.”

A senior police source added: “Policing have told the government that unless it’s a huge gathering, it’s pretty much unenforceable now. Lockdown has essentially ended to all intents and purposes.”

Several scientists have criticised the move suggesting it is too early to lift restrictions and could cause coronavirus infections to rapidly rise again.

Jeanelle de Gruchy, president of the Association of Directors of Public Health told The Guardian the public was “not keeping to social distancing as it was”, adding the organisation was “increasingly concerned that the Government is misjudging the balance of risk between more social interaction and the risk of a resurgence of the virus, and is easing too many restrictions too quickly”.

The public have been told to adhere to the new rules to avoid a second peak because the “room for manoeuvre is quite limited”.

The government is ready to impose local lockdowns if there is a flare up in a particular region.

Dominic Raab, the foreign secretary, yesterday admitted that “this is a sensitive moment” but added: “We can’t just stay in lockdown for ever. We have got to transition.”

Primary schools will reopen today as will outdoor markets and car showrooms.

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