Pokemon Go Fever and the £200 Fine Trap
Ever wonder if it’s worth paying the fine just to snag a Pidgey? That’s exactly the question that comes up with the UK’s newest “Pokemon tax.
The Unlikely Trip
- From Bedworth to Kenilworth – a 22‑km cruise across the county line.
- Purpose? A hunt for Pokemon that apparently weren’t great back home.
- Result? A £200 fine (about S$362). Not a price tag for a piggy‑back.
Warwickshire police handed out the penalty on the grounds that the man was “contravening the requirement to not leave or be outside the place they live without a reasonable excuse.” The sheriff’s claim might have been simple: “This is not a road‑trip, it’s a Pokémon‑trip,” the man said, so the authorities decided to say, “Nope, you’re not getting away with that.”
COVID‑19 Lockdown = Pokémon Catch‑count Limit
At the time of this incident, the UK was in lockdown to slow the spread of the newest Covid‑19 strain. The rules were strict, and any stray Sydney‑size excursions were tipsy triggers for the police.
To keep it on the playful side: there was also a confidence‑boosting violation a woman in Lincolnshire faced when she drove 160 kilometres to find a McDonald’s in Scarborough. Apparently, a Big Mac and a wild Pokemon do not exempt you from following the rules.
Niantic’s Advice for the Brave
During this lockdown, Niantic – the brains behind Pokemon Go – let players bring the adventure home, giving every corner of the house a chance to hide a creature. The polite reminder: “Be aware of your surroundings and follow guidelines from local health authorities when playing.” “Do it in the living room, not on the motorway,” the official reply basically said.
Bottom Line?
- Fine paid? Yes.
- Pidgey caught? Unknown.
- Morale? High, because the legend of the fine will make future gamers a lot more cautious.
In the spirit of “catch‑em‑all,” perhaps the best lesson is to keep the Pokemon walks local, avoid any “road‑trip” stats, and use the fine as a reminder that even villainized adventures have their costs. And remember: it’s both a fun instance of gaming and a legal cautionary tale.
