Masks must be on

NEW RULES FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN FORCE THIS WEEK

FACE coverings will soon be compulsory on public transport in London, it has been confirmed.

The UK government announced the change on Thursday June 4, which will take effect across the country on Monday June 15. Transport for London was already encouraging Londoners to wear face coverings if they had to travel on public transport in the capital.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and experts had also been calling on the government to make this compulsory for weeks.

In London, face coverings will have to be worn on London Underground trains, buses, National Rail trains and trams.

Coverings must be worn on buses, trams, trains, coaches, aircraft and ferries across England.

Wearing a face covering does not protect you as the wearer, but it may protect others if you are infected and have not developed symptoms.

Experts have previously suggested that around nine in 10 people need to wear face masks in order for them to help reduce infection.

The new rules about masks on transport will come into effect in a matter of days and there are consequences for those who do not stick to them.

Passengers will be barred from public transport without a face covering.

Fines will also be imposed on people who break the rule.

At the Downing Street press briefing on Thursday June 4, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the new rules will be enforced by British Transport Police.

The Transport Secretary also said disabled people, children and those with breathing difficulties will be exempt from the rule.

Mr Shapps said: “Broadly, as we come into this phase, we’re doing what many other countries have asked transport users to do.

“As passenger numbers increase, and we expect this trend to continue, we need to ensure every precaution is taken on buses, trains, aircraft and on ferries.”

Sadiq Khan urged anyone using public transport to wear a face covering on public transport, “or anywhere you can’t keep a safe two-metre distance”.

He added: “The reality is that due to social distancing the effective capacity of public transport services has been dramatically reduced. We can only carry between 13% and 15% of passengers.

“We all must play our part by working from home if we can and making journeys on foot or by bike if at all possible in order to keep the service safe for those who really need it.”