Police in Watford have finally issued fines to those ignoring the coronavirus lockdown advice.

Despite Hertfordshire Constabulary saying it would only use enforcement action "as a last resort", Watford Police said on Facebook that fines have been issued to people "in blatant disregard" of the rules.

Although it has not been confirmed what people have been fined for, police say officers are constantly having to tell people that "park benches and furniture are not clean" - and that "stopping to picnic" is not daily exercise.

If you are caught flouting the government restrictions, you can be fined £60, reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said people should only leave their homes to exercise once a day, travel for essential work and shop for essential items.

Watford Police wrote on Facebook: "In times like these, it should be fairly common sense that communal spaces and furniture are not clean and are a clear cross contamination risk.

"The daily exercise is to walk, run or cycle from your home in the the surrounding area. This does not include driving to a busy park, walking for 10 minutes and then stopping to picnic.

"These policies have been put in place to help save the NHS and save lives. We will be carrying out additional patrols in parks and recreation grounds across the county this weekend to ensure everyone is following the guidelines."

Harrow Times:

Police have cordoned off car parks (photo Watford Police facebook)

Yesterday (Saturday), Watford Borough Council closed Cassiobury Park car park after people chose to flout government Covid-19 guidelines and 'picnic in the sun'.

Three Rivers District Council also closed the car park of Rickmansworth Aquadrome on Saturday after people flouted rules to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The council has since closed off the car park at Leavesden Country Park as well.

This morning, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said sunbathing in public spaces is against the coronavirus social distancing rules and warned those flouting the advice that they were putting people's lives at risk.

He told Sky News's Sophy Ridge On Sunday: "The vast majority of people are following the public health advice, which is absolutely critical, and staying at home.

"But there are a small minority of people who are still not doing that - it's quite unbelievable frankly to see that there are some people who are not following the advice."

Asked whether sunbathing in public spaces was against the law, he said: "Sunbathing is against the rules that have been set out for important public health reasons."

He warned those who are flouting the guidance: "You are putting others' lives at risk and you are putting yourself in harm's way."

The government says you can still visit parks as long as it is only with members of your household and you must stay at least two metres apart from other people.

But you should only be visiting parks if they are local to you and for exercise only - the government says there should be "no unnecessary travel".