Face coverings become mandatory on public transport in England

Police officers are among thousands of extra staff being deployed as face coverings become mandatory on public transport in England.

Passengers caught not complying with the regulations, which came into force on Monday, risk being fined £100 and removed from services.

Hundreds of thousands of face coverings will be handed out free of charge to passengers at railway stations across the country over the coming days.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has said remembering to travel with face coverings should become part of people’s daily routine as part of efforts to slow the spread of Covid-19.

Those with certain health conditions, disabled people and children aged under 11 do not have to wear one.

More than 3,000 additional staff from British Transport Police, Network Rail, train operators and Transport for London (TfL) will be deployed at major stations and transport hubs to ensure the new rules are being followed.

The regulations fall under the Public Health Act 1984 and make face coverings mandatory on buses, coaches, trams, ferries, aircraft and trains in England.

More than two-out-of-three (67%) respondents to a recent poll of more than 2,000 people by watchdog Transport Focus said they would not be happy using public transport unless passengers were required to wear a face masks or covering.

In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, face coverings are not mandatory, but are recommended.

Face coverings can be a scarf, piece of cloth or mask.

The UK 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.

Avanti West Coast marked the introduction of the new rules by wrapping the noses of two of its Pendolino trains with face coverings.

It has implemented a series of measures to boost safety and hygiene, including encouraging passengers to book seats in advance and using a powerful disinfectant to provide anti-viral protection.

Managing director of Avanti West Coast Phil Whittingham said: “Nothing is more important than safety, so we’ve introduced these measures to give our customers confidence to travel with us.

“We also need our customers’ help: please bring a face covering with you, buy your ticket in advance and avoid the busiest times if possible.”