New masks rule ‘ignored by some’

Public transport companies have said they are doing everything they can to enforce the government’s new rule about wearing masks but admit it will take time for the public to get used to the measure. The comments come after Kent residents expressed concerns that masks aren’t being worn on public transport since the new requirements came into force across England on Monday.

Amy Greig from Wingham said that she saw two people on a bus from her home to Canterbury without a mask on on Monday.

She said: “I’m wearing the mask because I have to, to be honest.

“I wouldn’t mind if it was consistent but there’s people on the buses without them on, they don’t seem to be enforcing it. “I know some people aren’t meant to be wearing them, but drivers aren’t saying you have to put your mask on when you get on.

“If you’re going to do it, then you’ve got to do it for everybody really, it’s annoying because

I’m prepared to do it and others can’t be bothered.” A spokesman for Stagecoach said: “Our experience is that the vast majority of bus passengers are adapting very well and looking to do the right thing. “However, we know it will take a bit of time for everyone to get used to this new requirement.

“As with any change in any part of life there may be instances where people forget or aren’t aware and we’re helping our customers to understand the new guidance.”

Many companies are also running a mask exemption policy in line with the government’s guidance.

Anyone on a Stagecoach or Southeastern trains service with a free journey assistance card or equivalent can use them to show that they are allowed to use transport without wearing face coverings.

David Statham, managing director at Southeastern, said that railway staff had been told to prepare to refuse people travel if they are not wearing face coverings.

He said: “We’re able, if we need to, to refuse people travel if they are not wearing face coverings and the British Transport Police are able to issue people a fine, but these are very much a last resort. Because this is for the sake of everybody’s health and safety, we would expect the vast majority of people to comply with these regulations.”

‘If you’re going to do it, then you’ve got to do it for everybody’

Train company Southeastern says it can refuse people travel if they are not wearing face coverings