Public Transport Face Coverings 2020-07-02
2020-07-02
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Q1
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Discusses the requirement for public transport users to wear face coverings as a preventive measure against coronavirus.
What assessment has the Department made of the level of compliance by public transport users in wearing face coverings? Wearing a face covering is an easy way to help protect us all from coronavirus, especially in more confined spaces such as public transport. Will my right hon. Friend join me in urging constituents in Bexleyheath and Crayford to make that small change which can help control the virus and save lives?
We are working closely with transport operators and the police to monitor compliance. Initial reports from operators suggest very high compliance, around 86% according to the Office for National Statistics for the week of 26 June. We have said that in the early days we would ensure compliance was enforced gently, but I inform the House that TfL, Network Rail and British Transport police will be tightening up on that. I have just signed the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings on Public Transport) (England) Regulations 2020, which under regulation 8 give powers to TfL to increase enforcement.
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