Face coverings will be compulsory on public transport

The new rules will come in following the Government announcement made today (June 4) by Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps.

Speaking at the Government’s coronavirus daily briefing, Mr Shapps said face coverings would be "a condition of travel". Not wearing one could "ultimately" lead to a fine.

He added: "Why wouldn't people want to do the right thing?"

The face covering can be a face mask of the kind given out as PPE, but a cloth covering made out of a scarf or a bandana will also be accepted.

The rules around face coverings will apply to all public transport in the country, including buses, trams, ferries, aircraft and trains.

Very young children, disabled people and those with breathing difficulties will not have to wear face coverings, Mr Shapps confirmed.

Social distancing rules will also remain in place on all forms of public transport, at stops and in interchanges.

The introduction of the rules around face masks comes on the same date as the reopening of non-essential retail and return of some secondary school pupils in England.

Passenger numbers are expected to rise as lockdown measures are further eased.

The Government has published a guide to wearing and making a simple face covering here.

Emergency public transport timetables remain in place. Customers can get the latest information online or by calling Traveline on 01709 515151.