Cops issued just one fine for breaching corona mask rules in the last six months of 2021, the Record can reveal.
Now Labour has claimed that the enforcement of mask rules in Scotland was “virtually non-existent” at the height of the pandemic.
Just one person was issued with a fixed penalty notice for failing to wear a face covering from July 1 to December 31.
The statistic came to light when Police Scotland responded to a freedom of information request by a member of the public. Last night, Labour’s Covid recovery spokeswoman Jackie Baillie said the Government had allowed enforcement to slide at a key point in the crisis.
She said: “Scots have been pulled back and forth on what the rules are for almost two years.
“They endured hours of public health messaging making clear consequences for failing to follow the rules.
“Either these rules are necessary and they are enforced, or they are not.”
Police had a 4Es strategy – engage, explain, encourage and enforcement.
Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie said: “Our approach has remained consistent. Officers have engaged with the public to explain the legislation and encourage compliance, using enforcement powers as a last resort.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “Guidance is clear – it is an offence not to comply with face covering requirements.”
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