Forum Topic

Grounds for appeal

"The Government’s attempts to shore up the position of the Prime Minister’s chief advisor Dominic Cummings, by suggesting that the lockdown provisions are a matter of ‘individual responsibility’, may lead to the courts being swamped with appeals against fines imposed under its Coronavirus regulations."https://bylinetimes.com/2020/05/24/14000-brits-could-now-appeal-lockdown-fines-thanks-to-dominic-cummings/

David Ainsworth ● 2146d19 Comments

Oh David! Thanks for making me laugh (sympathetically!)

Lucille Grant ● 2145d

Yes, young women are kinder to me now than they ever were in my twenties. Sigh.

David Ainsworth ● 2145d

We Oldies must stick together!  Well, no more than two metres apart (unless you’re a member of the government).

Jonathan Callaway ● 2145d

Same here Jonathan - and it's quite often younger women who offer me a seat. I always offer a seat to a pregnant woman or someone who looks older than me.

Lucille Grant ● 2145d

Quite often, nowadays, at least until lockdown, I get offered a seat on the tube. I was hugely embarrassed when that first happened (how did they know I was eligible for the state pension??) but now I do occasionally accept the offer and smile and say thank you. Who does the offering?  Invariably those much maligned younger folk.  Britain is still civilised, at least on that evidence.  Back in the day I would offer my seat to a lady but I got told off once and now only do so for those even more elderly than me, or the pregnant.

Jonathan Callaway ● 2145d

Without test, isolate, trace it will go through the population, but just at a slower rate.It doesn't look like the government really wants to save these people sadly. I believe the younger generations have been exceptional in most cases in sticking to the rules.I remember when I was in Hong Kong a decade ago on their tube and an elderly person got on. Straight away people got off their seats and I thought - that is what I call civilised!I still think we can be a civilised country but we may have to look east for a reminder.

Ed Robinson ● 2146d

But on their heads bd itI sympathise with your daughter in law but the problem is that they are a danger to others if they get the virus.

Jane Carter ● 2146d

Yes Sue I do. Might be wrong but think enough are sebsible enough. But on their heads bd it. My daughter in law who lives in Brighton thinks they should all be covered in a dye and if they get the virus told to p... off when they report to hospital.

Andy Pike ● 2146d

Andy, It's not plain ignorance (he told me he was a lawyer and knew the highway code - well so do I) It was  his attitude that is one  borne  by many selfish people today. The  'I'm all right Jack,' one. So  it has plenty to do with Boris and Cummings because that's how they treat the British public.

Lucille Grant ● 2146d

Putney Waitrose was empty  at 11.00 - midday to day compared to other Sunday mornings. Some people have definitely gone away. Meanwhile the cashier  told me her daughter has  been suffering with the virus  for 6 weeks and she hasn't seen her or her grandchildren all this time.  She also said that people who have not experienced  the virus, or know someone who has, aren't taking it seriously. I'm inclined to agree with her. And she is one of many people doing an essential job, unlike Cummings.

Lucille Grant ● 2146d

@Andy"think so many if us are fearful of the virus that lock down will survive even under the relaxed rules."Do you really think so?  From the media reports and pictures that I've seen this weekend it looks like many people have given up on lockdown already. The beaches and parks have been heaving.

Sue Hammond ● 2146d

I get that David . I'm hoping to do a bit of London sightseeing before the tourists return. Hate being uptown when busy. So its jusf a matter of getting the timing right.

Andy Pike ● 2146d

@Michael 18.12No, blocking the Courts would be counter productive, the country is in enough chaos without deliberately adding to it.  The Govt should just write off all outstanding fines and refund any that have been paid.  This amnesty would apply to first time offenders only.  Multiple offenders should still have to pay their fines.

Sue Hammond ● 2146d

I am sort of fearful, but I do feel the tug of a long-delayed walk along the River Lea (delayed last year by a friend's funeral). It would entail underground/or/bus travel, plus a rail trip. There might even be a handy pub doing takeaway pints. It is a self-promise, which I could make a case for on general mental health grounds (memory, nostalgia, sentimentality or somesuch). Travelling off-peak, I am unlikely to get very close to anybody (unless my luck really changes). My resolution is weakening.

David Ainsworth ● 2146d

Thats nothing to do with Boris or Cummings that's plain ignorance by that individual. I believe Boris is wrong in not sacking him but think so many if us are fearful of the virus that lock down will survive even under the relaxed rules.

Andy Pike ● 2146d

Indeed. People will now  think they can do as they please just as Cummings did. This morning  I was blocked in trying to enter the  building where I live  by a car that was illegally parked so I tooted my horn. When he returned after 5 minutes I asked him why he had parked there and he replied, 'because I want to.' He was no youngster either but a man of  a similar age to me But as selfish as they come. Seems to be the norm these days.

Lucille Grant ● 2146d

Yes, Sue, but blocking the courts might be a good way of protesting the arrogance of this government?

Michael Ixer ● 2146d

David, yes that occured to me as I was listening to Johnson. Just make up your own reasonable excuse and appeal. Further, those turned around for driving to far could perhaps sue the police for unlawfully impeding them? There's no distance specified in the regulation. Wonder what hold Cummings has over Johnson? That's the lockdown lost ..

Michael Ixer ● 2146d

Well if it does *they'll have a bloody long wait as the Courts have so much more important work to catch up with. 

Sue Hammond ● 2146d