People who refuse to to wear face coverings on public transport could be fined or refused permission to board, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has announced.
From June 15, it will be compulsory for passengers to cover their faces when they travel on buses and trains under new rules introduced today.
The Transport Secretary was asked whether rail workers would be expected to police the new measures during the daily Downing Street press conference on Thursday.
Mr Shapps said that transport operators would enforce the rules, alongside British Transport Police 'if necessary'.
They will have the powers to refuse entry onto public transport, and fines can be issued too.
“But I expect the vast majority of people won’t need to be forced into this, because wearing a face covering helps protect others”, he said.
Mr Shapps acknowledged that people may forget to bring a face covering onto public transport, as they adjust to the new rules.
There will be notices about the new measures on stations and in other places to remind people of the changes.
British Transport Police will be out and about to 'helpfully remind people', he added.
They will also introduce 'volunteer journey makers' to assist in 'reminding people about the need for face coverings on public transport'.
But Mr Shapps said that he expects 'most people will want to do it'.
The changes will be made under the National Rail conditions of travel and public service vehicle regulations for buses.
Frontline staff on public transport will also be required to wear face coverings as part of the new rules.
Mr Shapps continued: “In the coming days the Government will work with the unions, who’ve been supportive, for which I’m very grateful, transport operators and the police to ensure that they’ve the supplies they need to be safe and to provide reassurance to the public.
“These measures apply in England but we’re working with the devolved administrations ahead of implementation.”
Responding to the new rules announced today, Mick Whelan, general secretary of the train drivers’ union Aslef, said: “This is a sensible step.
"We have been working closely with the Government to ensure that agreed increases in services on Britain’s train and Tube network is done in a safe and controlled manner, to help spread the loading, and maintain social distancing for the safety of passengers and staff.
“The instruction to wear face coverings to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus will ease the concerns of people travelling, and working, on the transport network.”
