Face coverings are to become mandatory on public transport in England this month, UK transport secretary Grant Shapps has announced.
From 15 June, passengers travelling on buses, coaches, trains, trams, ferries and aircraft will be required to wear coverings for the full duration of journeys.
Shapps said the government is working with operators to ensure staff are provided with, and wear face coverings, where appropriate for their role.
The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) has set out that using face coverings can provide some small additional protection to fellow passengers and can help people to avoid unknowingly spreading the virus if they are suffering from coronavirus, but not showing symptoms.
The changes will be made under legislation such as the National Rail Conditions of Travel and Public Service Vehicle Regulations for buses.
Operators will be able to refuse travel or issue penalty fines for those who fail to wear a face covering, in a similar way to the rules on having a ticket for travel.
British Transport Police will also support the implementation of these changes.
The announcement comes as transport usage has increased following relaxation of lockdown restrictions.
London’s tube network, operated by Transport for London, has seen around a 20% rise this week compared to last week.
“People should continue to avoid public transport wherever possible,” said Shapps. “But, as restrictions are carefully eased when it is safe to do so, it’s likely that we will see more people needing to use public transport.
“So, while respecting social distancing and maintaining good hand hygiene remain the most important steps we can all take to stay safe, wearing a face covering can play a role in helping us to protect each other.”
According to the government, people should wash their hands or use hand sanitiser before putting their face covering on and after taking it off.
Furthermore, people should not touch their face covering when wearing it, where possible, to avoid hand to mask transmission of the virus.
The government has also recommended that people do not use medical grade PPE masks to ensure these remain available for frontline staff.
Instead, people should make their own face coverings at home, using scarves, bandanas or other textile items.
These face coverings should cover the mouth and nose while allowing the wearer to breathe comfortably and tie behind the head to give a snug fit.
To ease pressure on public transport, the government previously announced measures to encourage people to choose other forms of transport, including a £250m emergency walking and cycling fund, and the acceleration of e-scooter trials across the country.
Read more from CiTTi
https://www.cittimagazine.co.uk/uk-government-issues-new-guidance-on-public-transport-use/
https://www.cittimagazine.co.uk/ai-to-improve-active-travel-safety/
