Announcing the new 'Rule of Six', the Prime Minister said covid marshals would be coming to high streets across the country to enforce the rules.

They would be tasked with ensuring that social distancing is maintained in towns and city centres.

At last week's press conference, PM Boris Johnson said £100 fines may be issued for breaches of the new six-person cap.

If a person reoffends, the fine will increase up to a possible £3,200.

The Met Police said it is deploying resources across the capital to help enforce the tighter restrictions on groups.

But the role of marshals in Richmond is far less clear.

According to the government, marshals can either be volunteers or existing members of council staff.

A spokesperson for Richmond Council said it was waiting for guidance from government before bringing marshals to the streets of Richmond.

advertisement

The spokesperson told Richmond Nub News: "Similarly to other local authorities, following the announcement from the Prime Minister that Covid Marshals will be introduced, we are pending the guidance from the government and indeed information about the funding that will be available for councils to introduce them."

Many local authorities around the UK have said that they simply cannot afford marshals without extra funding and will not be introducing them.

There is also uncertainty over whether covid marshals will be given the powers to issue fines, and whether they will be a worthwhile expense.

More Covid-19 coverage:

NHS covid app goes live in a week and Richmond firms told to get on board

Lack of coronavirus testing 'a very dangerous state of affairs'

Revealed: The pandemic's impact on Richmond businesses

12 test positive in a single day

advertisement

Richmond Police deploying officers to enforce new covid rules