Faces must be covered on public transport

PEOPLE must cover their faces on public transport, Grant Shapps said last night at Downing Street’s briefing.

From June 15 anyone taking a bus, train, ferry or flying on an aircraft must wear a face covering.

Mr Shapps said it would become a condition of travel, and only the very young, disabled people and those with breathing problems would be exempt. He added: ‘Why wouldn’t people want to do the right thing?’

It comes as two new bus stops have been installed in Portsmouth to create space for ‘socially distanced journeys.’

Passengers will be able to disembark only at the stops in Unicorn Road and London Road – by the North End junction.

It is hoped this will allow people to remain two metres apart at when travelling in some of Portsmouth's busiest areas. Portsmouth City Council's traffic and transport cabinet member, Councillor Lynne Stagg, said: ‘I am pleased to see further changes being made quickly to help people travel safely.

‘The new bus stops will help people keep two metres apart as they leave the bus in two of our busier locations as well as helping to keep the buses running on time.’

It comes as part of a citywide review of all transport to allow for social distancing which has also led to three city centre road closures as well as plans for a new cycle lane along Eastern Road.

Both stops will become operational from June 8 after being identified by local bus operators First Bus and Stagecoach as places in need of assistance with social distancing.

The Unicorn Road stop will be for people going to the city centre south on First Bus services 3, 7 and 8 and Stagecoach services 20, 23 and 700.

And the London Road stop will be for passengers going to North End on First Bus services 3 and 7 and Stagecoach services 23 and 700.