More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Kent's police chief says the newly introduced and looser lockdown rules will be harder to enforce.
After more than 50 days of being told to stay home and only go out if necessary, the government has now lifted some of the tighter measures that were put in place due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Mr Pughsley explains how the focus will now be on 'groups and gatherings'
As of yesterday, people can now exercise as much as they want, sunbathe in parks and meet with one person from another household, as long as they adhere to social distancing guidelines.
More shops and food outlets have also re-opened, including garden centres.
But speaking this morning, chief constable Alan Pughsley said "without a doubt" this will make it harder when patrolling the county as officers need to know who people are with.
He said: "So the focus has now moved to groups and gatherings because (we'll be thinking) are you with people from your own household? Our questions will be more around who you are with if you're in a group or gathering.
"Of course warm weather and people can travel further so the patrols strategy will look at the coast and beauty spots and hot spots but likewise town centres. That's where our focus will be.
"And I do believe yes it will be a little harder for us, but we'll still be fine."
Mr Pughsley said officers will now be watching out to see if people look like they're related while doing patrols.
He added: "As soon as the rules changed on Wednesday we were briefing our officers and staff.
"It is a focus on groups and gatherings with a common sense and a pragmatic and a police officer's approach to 'does that look like a group of people who all live in the same house'.
"It's then back to the engagement strategy. We won't know until we engage and explain if necessary and encourage. If we have to enforce we will."
Mr Pughsley said Kent Police have so far handed out "roughly 118" penalty notices since lockdown began, and only use them as a "last resort".
This is up from the 106 that were handed out in the weeks leading up to April 27.
This week the cost of the fine rose to £100, or up to £3,200 for repeat offenders.
At the briefing, Mr Pughsley also said he would welcome a law on the two metre social distancing rule as this would make it easier to deal with.
He said: "It would certainly make it easier. As a police officer for 35 years, if there is a rule and a law that it is easier to enforce."
But he added everyone has a "personal responsibility" to make sure we are keeping two metres away from each other.
This morning's briefing came a day after a group of around 14 teenagers were pictured gathered in a front drive way.
