HUNDREDS of people have been given fines over the last few weeks for breaking lockdown rules.

North Wales Police handed out 350 fixed penalty notices from March 27 to June 8 for those flouting the coronavirus regulations.

The rate amounts to six fines per 10,000 people.

This was the second highest number of fines across Wales, with Dyfed-Powys police force taking lead with 1,509.

Data released by the National Police Chief’s Council showed over 2,200 fines have been handed out to people across Wales compared to 15,715 in England.

The figures show that British Transport Police also handed out 24 fines in Wales.

National Police Chiefs’ Council Chair, Martin Hewitt said: “We’re now near to closing the first month away from full lockdown. Soon, shops will be open again, and there will be more people outdoors going about their business. Our approach of engaging, explaining and encouraging continues to be successful. Since measures eased in England, the number of fines issued has seen a sustained fall.

“Behind each fine is a case where someone has failed to listen and do the right thing. A fine is issued following engagement to establish the circumstances, explanation of what the regulations are and why they’re in breach of them, and encouragement to stop their activity and return home.

“Officers have used their common sense and discretion to take in to account people’s individual circumstances. We will only enforce as a last resort, against those who are in clear breach of the regulations.

“I would like to thank the vast majority of people who are continuing, as they have always done, to abide by the lockdown measures and the Government’s advice.”