TWO campaign groups have written to the chief constable of Sussex to ask her to review all the fixed penalty notices handed out under the coronavirus rules.
They said that Sussex Police was one of 10 forces to have handed out the highest number of fines since the start of the first lockdown in the spring.
Big Brother Watch and Liberty say the force handed out disproportionately more fines to people who were black or from ethnic minorities.
And they questioned the fairness of the £10,000 “super fines” such as the one handed out after a recent party in Brighton.
Sussex police said: “The majority of fines issued in Sussex were during the peak of the first lockdown when infection and mortality rates across the UK were high and people were being urged to ‘stay at home’.
“As a county with many coastal and beauty spots, a high proportion were issued to non-residents travelling into the county, many from urban areas, who would have been fully aware that it was prohibited.
“We have always taken pride in our strong, community-based relationships, working hard to gain the trust and confidence of the public.
“Throughout this pandemic, and in line with national guidance, our officers and PCSOs have worked to encourage people to comply with the health regulations and have used enforcement only as a last resort.”
The full letters can be read at Brighton and Hove News » Campaign groups urge Sussex Police to review coronavirus fines