Strict social distancing measures have been in place throughout Australia for a few weeks now, and now a bloke has received $1,000 fine for breaching the regulations because he wanted to drive his McLaren around for a bit.
The government and police have been fairly clear about the reasons you’re allowed to leave the house, as the country tries to slow the spread of coronavirus. Things like shopping, care and medical reasons are allowed, and so is exercise.
But not even the most liberal interpreter of the regulations would possibly agree with a gentleman who, according to the Daily Mail, was pulled over and tried to tell the cops that driving his $265,000 McLaren 650S was a legitimate form of exercise.
The 43-year-old was reportedly questioned by police in Kings Cross CBD on Saturday night, just after midnight, despite his residence being in Fairfield (over 30km away).
He also had an absolutely ridiculous follow-up when told he was breaking the law and would be receiving a $1,000 fine.
“Do what you want mate, I don’t care… this $1,000 fine won’t hurt with my $15 million.” Righto then mate!
For the record this is a McLaren 650S:
Individuals can receive on-the-spot fines for $1,000 in NSW for being in a public place without a reasonable excuse, and over the weekend the NSW Government introduced $5,000 fines for intentional coughing and spitting to protect healthcare and retail workers.
“Some horrific things have happened to retail staff in shops,” said Health Minister Brad Hazard. “They are every bit just as essential as any other worker.”
Although the incidence of new cases of COVID-19 have begun to fall across Australia, Victorian Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton has warned that mass gatherings may not return until at least 2021.
The social distancing message clearly still isn’t getting to everyone though. Over the weekend Nine News reported that one in ten Aussies are still shopping for groceries every single day.
