Essex Police have joined forces with University of Essex staff at the Colchester campus to enforce COVID-19 restrictions aimed at preventing the spread of the virus among students.
While the majority of students have complied with the safety measures, a small number have disregarded the rules. In response, police increased patrols around the campus and nearby areas over the weekend.
On Friday night, officers found a group of seven students gathering in a university car park. Each was issued a £200 fixed penalty notice. The next evening, police broke up two separate house parties on Albany Road, each attended by eight students, all of whom were fined. Later that night, nine students from various residences were seen gathering in a courtyard and were also issued penalties.
Chief Inspector Rob Huddleston, Colchester District Commander, said, “We always try to explain and engage first. But for those who repeatedly break the rules, enforcement is the only option. We don’t want to ruin anyone’s fun, but the responsibility to protect the NHS and community comes first.”
Huddleston urged students to adhere to the guidelines so that police resources can focus on protecting vulnerable people and tackling crime rather than policing parties.
Vanessa Potter, Director of External Relations at the University of Essex, stated, “We’re proud most students are doing the right thing. Where they’re not, we’ve asked police to step in. This isn’t about stopping fun – it’s about keeping everyone safe.”
Fines for rule breakers include a £200 fixed penalty notice for gatherings of more than six people. The fine is reduced to £100 if paid within 28 days. Repeat offenders face doubled fines, and organisers of illegal gatherings can be fined up to £10,000.
Essex Police and the University of Essex have issued a clear warning: follow the rules or face the consequences.
Originally published by UKNIP.
