Police issue more than $2000 in fines for non-mask compliance

Offenders not wearing masks indoors racked up thousands in fines on Wednesday as police cracked down on new rules across Sydney.

Sydneysiders have racked up more than $2000 in fines in a single day for not wearing masks indoors as NSW Police crack down on the new rules.

Five days after NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian mandated that masks must be worn while shopping, on public transport and in indoor entertainment venues, 11 fines of $200 were issued on Wednesday across greater Sydney.

Police also issued more than 50 warnings for breaches of the Public Health Act.

Police are ensuring people are wearing masks at indoor venues such as shopping centres. Picture: News Corp Australia

One man was a repeat offender over two days, telling transport police at Blacktown station on Tuesday that he “didn’t have a mask and had no intention of getting one”. The man was issued a $200 penalty infringement notice (PIN).

On Wednesday, again at Blacktown station, the same man allegedly swore at police and refused to wear a mask. He was issued a second $200 fine and given a move-on direction.

At Merrylands, officers from Cumberland Police Area Command were called to a shopping centre following reports a man was verbally abusing security and staff.

The 60-year-old man had refused to put a mask on when asked and became aggressive before security directed him to leave.

The man wrestled with a security officer before they both fell to the ground. No injuries were reported but the man asked to be taken to Auburn Hospital, where he also refused to wear a face mask. He was issued a $200 fine.

It is now mandatory to wear a mask on public transport to avoid a $200 fine. Photo: Jeremy Piper

Police also issued multiple fines for not wearing masks at Glenfield and Campbelltown stations, on a train near Mt Druitt and one penalty on the Airport line.

Separate fines were also handed out on Wednesday for smoking and drinking on trains as well as fare evasion.

Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour that may impact on health and safety.