Boris Johnson’s new rule change means fines of up to £3,200 for not wearing a face mask

Boris Johnson has announced new tougher rules in England for not wearing face masks, and it could see you landed with a £3,200 fine. 

Currently, failing to wear a mask on public transport and in shops could mean you are fined £100, which will be reduced to £50 if you pay within two weeks.

That £100 fine remains in place, but it can now be increased up to £3,200 for repeat offenders, who will see their fine doubled on each repeat offence. 

This means the first time you are caught not wearing a mask your fine will be £100, the second will be £200, the third £400 and so on, up to a maximum of £3,200. 

Masks have been compulsory on public transport since June 15th and there have been just 33 fines so far. No date has been given for the change to fines as of yet. 

Many people have questioned how these new rules will be enforced. 

The updated rules also see a new on the spot fine for illegal raves or unlawful gatherings of more than 30 people, which will see you slapped with a hefty £10,000 fine. 

The new rules on fines come after Mr Johnson announced the government are strengthening the powers of enforcement against those who repeatedly ‘flout the rules’.

In a statement he said: “Most people in this country are following the rules and doing their bit to control the virus, but we must remain focused and we cannot be complacent.

“That is why we are strengthening the enforcement powers available to use against those who repeatedly flout the rules.

“At every stage I have said our plan to reopen society and the economy is conditional and that it relies on continued progress against the virus.

“Today, we are able to announce some further changes which will allow more people to return to work and the public to get back to more of the things they have missed.

“However, as I have always said, we will not hesitate to put on the brakes if required, or to continue to implement local measures to help to control the spread of the virus.”

More information is set to be released this coming week. 

The latest easing on lockdown sees beauty salons resuming services such as eyebrow threading. It also allows wedding receptions to take place with up to 30 guests. Casinos, bowling alleys, skating rinks and soft play areas will also be able to reopen. 

However, these changes will not be relaxed in the specific areas with local restrictions in place, including Greater Manchester.