NORTH Yorkshire Police have today announced the number of Fixed Penalty Notices issued between December 2 and January 5 for coronavirus breaches.

A total of 355 FPNs have been issued between those dates with the most offences taking place in Scarborough, followed by York and then Craven, Harrogate and Hambleton respectively.

Each of the county's seven districts reported FPNs handed out for breaches.

In Craven four visitors were handed penalties for breaching indoor gathering rules.

When the third lockdown was announced on Monday night, North Yorkshire Police said it would prosecute anyone who did not adhere to the rules and advised people to stay at home unless it was necessary to venture out.

The cost of a first offence is £200, which is lowered to £100 if paid within 14 days, and £400 for a second offence. The fine is doubled for each further offence up to a maximum of £6,400.

Under the rules of the third national lockdown, large gatherings are not permitted.

In fact, the rules don't allow gatherings or meetings with anyone other than the people in your household or support bubble.

Exercise has been limited to once a day within your local area and must be done on your own, with those in your household or support bubble, or one other person.

And you must stay two metres apart from anyone not in your household.

Fines can be issued by the police if you are caught breaking these rules. 

If you hold an illegal gathering of more than 30 people the police can issue a fine of £10,000.

The new restrictions include the following:

- People cannot leave their homes except for certain reasons like food shopping, exercise or work for those who cannot work from home 

- Closure of schools and colleges to most pupils until February half term, with remote learning taking place and no end of year exams 

- University courses will also be taught online as students should remain at home and not return to campuses

- Takeaway food deliveries are still allowed to be offered by restaurants, but the serving of alcohol is banned

- Most non-elite team sports are not permitted, sports venues such as golf courses are closed but outdoor playgrounds remain open.