Police backdown after essential worker fined for washing his car
A Melbourne man who was fined $1,652 for being at a carwash in an alleged breach of coronavirus restrictions has had his fine reversed by Victoria Police.
A video uploaded to Facebook and obtained by 7News shows Brian Jones arguing with two uniformed police officers as they issue him an infringement notice at a carwash in Hoppers Crossing, southwest of the CBD, on Thursday at about 1:15am.
Mr Jones tells the officer he works in “essential services” explaining that he delivers food to supermarkets.
“I’m working 12 to 14 hour f***ing days and I don’t get time to wash the b*****d,” he says.
Despite his protests, the police still issue an on-the-spot fine, prompting accusations of overzealousness on account of the police officers.
In just 24 hours leading up to 11pm Friday, police in Victoria issued 183 fines to people in breach of strict coronavirus rules.
However, Victoria Police has since reviewed the decision to fine Mr Jones for being at the carwash and have withdrawn his infringement notice.
“On occasion, errors will be made however that is why a review process exists to ensure instances such as these are identified and rectified,” a Victoria Police spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia.
“If a commercial premises has not been directed to close by the Chief Health Officer, members of the community are allowed to visit to obtain goods and services provided they adhere to the safe distancing and maximum number of people in a particular location directives.
“Any additional clarifications around the Chief Health Officer’s (CHO) directives should be directed to the CHO or Department of Health and Human Services.”
Health authorities warned this was the most crucial weekend in the fight against coronavirus, and police have been out in force across the state to enforce strict social distancing rules. https://t.co/AVvaWLotVs @pauldowsley7 #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/rOb4aoSsZS
— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) April 10, 2020
On Saturday, Victoria Police said it had conducted 19,279 spot checks of homes since March 21 to ensure people weren’t breaking COVID-19 measures.
In the past 24 hours, infringement notices totalling about $300,000 have been issued in the state.
Police said these included fines handed down to seven friends drinking in a schoolyard, five people pulled over in a ride share car and “multiple instances” of private gatherings at residential properties.
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