Face coverings to be compulsory on public transport this month
FACE COVERINGS will be compulsory on public transport from later this month, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced yesterday.
He said “we need to ensure every precaution is taken” on buses, trains, aircraft and ferries as further lockdown measures are eased and passenger numbers increase.
Currently passengers are advised to wear a face covering but are not stopped from travelling without one. At a Downing Street press conference yesterday, Mr Shapps said changes would be made to the conditions of travel for trains and buses from June 15.
“This will mean that you can be refused travel if you don’t comply and you could be fined,” he said.
“Alongside transport operators, this will be enforced by the British Transport Police if necessary but I expect the vast majority of people won’t need to be forced into this.”
Young children and people with disabilities and breathing difficulties will be exempt.
Network Rail chairman Sir Peter Hendy told the briefing he was “not expecting a huge upsurge in railway staff having to police this”.
He added: “I am expecting sensible passengers to do their duty and look after themselves and others.”
Mr Shapps suggested passengers on trains starting outside England may have to put on coverings when crossing the border.
It would be up to Scotland and Wales to issue their own guidance but “I don’t think it will turn out to be terribly confusing”, he insisted.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted that her government was “considering making it mandatory” to wear face coverings on public transport and in shops. Face coverings can be a scarf, piece of cloth or mask.
The Government says they are “marginally beneficial as a precautionary measure” and states that evidence suggests face coverings do not protect the wearer but may protect other people if he or she is infected.
Surgical masks should be reserved for people who need them for protection while at work such as medical staff, according to official advice.