Bus passengers in Preston express concern over lack of face mask enforcement

On Monday (June 15), face coverings became mandatory on all public transport in England in a bid to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Government advice states that commuters could be fined for not complying with the new rules.

But a number of those who depend on buses to get to work or go shopping have voiced their concern at the amount of passengers still travelling without a face mask.

One passenger told the Lancashire Post: "I've seen three buses around Penwortham with quite a few people with no masks on. They can't all be exempt.

"I asked Stagecoach why this was happening and they said bus drivers had been told to use their discretion if someone refuses to wear one.

"Discretion? I would have thought that you simply would not be allowed to travel. I counted six people on a No.3 bus when I was sat next to it in traffic.

"Why are Stagecoach allowing people to travel & break the law?"

Lancashire Post asked Stagecoach and Preston Bus for clarification on the matter.

This is what Stagecoach said

Stagecoach said it is "taking the four-phase approach" from the National Police Chiefs' Council - 'Engage, Explain, Encourage, Enforce'.

A Stagecoach spokesman said: "As with many other changes being made as a result of the pandemic, responsibility for complying with the new government regulations lies with individuals themselves.

"Our drivers have been briefed to use their discretion to act appropriately if someone refuses to wear a face covering and is unable to show they're exempt from the guidance.

"For customers persistently not wearing a face covering and who are not exempt from the regulations, drivers reserve the right to refuse travel.

"This would be subject to checks with the appropriate depot management team and may require the involvement of the local police force, and would therefore be a last resort.

"Ultimately, only police forces have the powers to enforce the new regulations by fining those not wearing face coverings as required.

"As per government guidelines the local police forces will be policing this and passengers may receive fines if caught not wearing facial coverings onboard our services.

"We will continue to appeal to customers to act responsibly and provide them with all the information they need to plan their journeys and use our services safely."

This is what Preston Bus said

Preston Bus admitted that there is a lack of clear guidance from the Government in regards to how the new rules should be enforced.

It said: "We are seeking clarity from Government bodies on a number of areas around these new regulations.

"While we continue to work with the government on further guidance, our drivers will be exercising reasonable discretion when applying this new rule during the first few days.

"These regulations and the enforcement of them will continue to be reviewed."

It has offered the following advice for passengers - "based on the guidance we know currently".

Who will enforce these regulations?

Drivers will have the authority to refuse a passenger travel if they refuse to wear a face covering when travelling.

Should a passenger become anti-social when requested to wear a face covering, the police have the power to fine that person, in line with the existing coronavirus regulation.

Who has to wear face coverings?

All passengers are expected to wear a face covering if they can, however there are exemptions for certain people who may not be able to wear them.

Who is exempt?

There are some exemptions for people who are not able to wear Face Coverings, these exemptions currently include those with:

- Breathing difficulties and other respiratory conditions.

- Conditions effecting their dexterity, meaning they are not able to put on a face covering.

- Mental health conditions such as anxiety or panic disorders.

- Other non-visible disabilities such as autism.

- Cognitive impairments, including dementia, who may not understand or remember the need to wear a face covering.

- Visual impairments, with a restricted field of vision, particularly if any residual vision is at the lower edge of the normal field of view.

- Impairments which would make it difficult to put on or take off a face covering safely, accurately, consistently or without pain.

- Those who rely on lip reading. This would include carers who are travelling with someone for whom a face covering will inhibit communication.

- The regulation will not apply to children under 11, or children on dedicated school transport services.

- Anyone who has a justifiable reason for not wearing one on the grounds of health or disability not outlined above