Transport Focus: clear message needed on face coverings

Transport Focus is calling for clearer messaging from train operators as the network is opened up to greater numbers of passengers.

With passengers set to be increasingly reminded of the need to travel safely rather than not at all, the watchdog is particularly concerned about how the use of face coverings is being communicated to the public.

Despite the use of face coverings becoming mandatory on all public transport in England on June 15 and in Scotland a week later, Transport Focus says confusion remains over who is exempt from the measures and how (or if) the rules are being enforced.

It warns that despite compliance widely reported at above 90%, the confusion could lead to a misconception that wearing face coverings is optional or to wrongful accusations being made that those who are not wearing them are breaking the rules when they are in fact exempt (including disabled people, children under the age of 11, and those with certain medical conditions).

A Transport Focus spokesman said: “We know that most people feel reassured by the face coverings rule. However, while the majority of passengers seem to be wearing them throughout their journey, it is clear a substantial minority are not. This could well be for a good reason, but it leads people to ask questions over whether the official [compliance] figures are accurate.

“People now need clear messaging, including on the acceptable reasons not to wear one, backed up with some proper enforcement to make it clear that this safety measure is not optional.”

The British Transport Police also acknowledges that the public’s understanding of the rules may have affected the rate of compliance. It has therefore hitherto chosen not to be overly robust in how these rules are enforced.

Officers and other authorised personnel are able to issue penalty fines of up to £100 (£50 if paid within 14 days), refuse travel, and even arrest people for failing to comply with the regulations, although imposing these sanctions has been seen as a last resort.

BTP Assistant Chief Constable Sean O’Callaghan said: “We understand that initially not everyone may be aware that it is now mandatory to wear face coverings. Therefore, our approach will be to engage with the public, explain the new government policy, and encourage them to follow the new regulations for travelling on the railway.

“Only as an absolute last resort will we carry out enforcement in the form of fines. We are sure that the public will want to be responsible and do their part to protect others by wearing face coverings.”