Fines during Covid pandemic three times more likely to be given to black people in England and Wales

Exclusive: research is most detailed yet of who got fined and fairness of use of police power to enforce rules

Fines during the pandemic were three times more likely to be given to black people and seven times more likely to be issued in the poorest areas, research commissioned for Britain's police chiefs has revealed.

The study covering England and Wales showed racial disparity for every single force. In one area, ethnic minorities were up to eight times more likely to be fined. It presents further evidence of ethnic disparity in the use of police powers. Most forces deny they are institutionally racist, as does the government.