Derbyshire police apologise for reservoir walk fine

Women fined for a walk at Derbyshire reservoir have received an apology from police and had their penalties removed.

Jessica Allen and Eliza Moore were fined £200 each last Wednesday, after they travelled five miles from Leicestershire to Foremark Reservoir, Derbyshire.

Both women believed that they had been following the government's guidelines on outdoor exercise and social distancing throughout their walk.

Local police deemed the short drive to exercise as "not in the spirit" of lockdown regulations and the hot drinks that the two friends had were classified as a "picnic" and therefore were also deemed a breach of the rules.

In a statement, the two friends and business owners welcomed the apology.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Derbyshire Police, Hardyal Dhinsda, said that while the force was doing it's "absolute best to protect public safety during what is a critical time of the pandemic", that the public should expect a "proportionate and balanced approach".

He added: "We recognise that errors will occur in the face of complex guidance and legislation and it is important such situations are resolved quickly and fairly, as has been the case here."