From today face coverings are now compulsory on all public transport including taxis from Monday to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Volunteers are handing out free face masks at Tube stations in London, and face coverings must be worn on the Tube, trains, buses, trams, coaches, aeroplanes, ferries and taxis.
Those who refuse to wear a face covering which can be a scarf, cloth or face mask risk being fined £100 and will not be allowed to travel.
Face coverings for those who are travel on public transport will become part of a daily routine, said Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.
On Friday Shapps said at the Downing Street press briefing, “Remembering your face covering should be the same as picking up your phone, your wallet or your purse whenever you’re leaving your house.”
Manuel Cortes, general secretary of the Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA), said: “The changes in the rules are welcome as they are likely to lower transmission of the virus on the transport network.
“However, this must not be seen as a green light among the wider population to use public transport.
“It must remain the case that only the key workers who are keeping us safe during the pandemic continue to use public transport.
“It’s also important to stress that a physical distance of at least two metres between passengers and/or staff must be maintained at all times.”
Leave a Comment