Police in England cannot enforce two-metre rule, chiefs say

Police in England have no powers to enforce the two-metre social distancing rule, but police in Wales do, according to new guidance issued to UK forces.

The College of Policing and the National Police Chiefs’ Council said officers in England can only enforce what is written in law, and therefore “government guidance is not enforceable, for example two-metre distancing, avoiding public transport or the wearing of face coverings in enclosed spaces”.

However, in Wales, police can enforce the two-metre rule, apart from in workplaces, where responsibility lies with local authorities.