Seven months after wearing face masks on public transport became mandatory for everyone without an exemption, Transport for London (TfL) is tightening up its enforcement of the policy.
While TfL stresses that the vast majority of passengers are already complying with the law — about 90% at the busiest times of day — a "selfish minority who are not exempt" continue to ignore it, according to a press release issued today.
Since June 2020, TfL's enforcement team has prevented 128,000 people from boarding its services without a face covering. Over the same period, 1,700 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) have been issued to those who have travelled on the network without a face covering (or exemption).
Now with 500 enforcement officers at its disposal, TfL is better equipped than ever before to take a hard line against those flouting coronavirus safety regulations.
According to the body's latest customer survey, 75% of passengers support the enforcement of the rules. Among those aged 65 and over, who are among those most vulnerable to the disease, that rises to 86 per cent.
You can find out more about the law on face coverings and how it may impact your TfL journey here, and remember only to travel via public transport if it is essential while the national lockdown remains in place.
