New Rail Pilot Targets Face Covering Rule Breakers in London
Rail firms Great Northern, Southeastern, Southern, and Thameslink have joined forces with British Transport Police (BTP) to crack down on face covering scofflaws. The fresh pilot scheme launched in London today (28th September) aims to boost compliance and keep passengers safe.
Rail Staff and Police Team Up to Enforce Rules
The trial sees railway staff paired with BTP officers patrolling stations and trains together. Their job? To remind travellers of government rules on face coverings and encourage adherence. It’s all part of the rail industry’s Safer Travel Pledge.
This pilot builds on the railways’ tough ‘Four Es’ approach: Engage, Explain, Encourage, and Enforce. While most passengers (around 90%) are already sticking to the rules, the effort aims to push compliance even higher.
Fines and Tougher Penalties Loom for Rule Breakers
Passengers refusing to wear face coverings or exit the railway when asked face fines. In fact, since 24 September, BTP officers have stopped over 54,000 people to remind them of the rules, asked 3,842 to leave stations or trains, and slapped 81 fines on persistent offenders.
Last week, the government hiked the maximum fine for flouting the face covering rule in England to a hefty £6,400. However, exemptions still apply for those with medical reasons.
Industry Voices Back the New Crackdown
“We thank the vast majority of people who are wearing face coverings to help stop the spread of the virus,” said Robert Nisbet, Director of Nations and Regions at the Rail Delivery Group. “This pilot shows rail companies and British Transport Police working hand-in-hand to help passengers travel confidently.”
Chief Superintendent Martin Fry of British Transport Police added: “Most people want to do the right thing, but a minority deliberately flout the law. This behaviour puts lives at risk and makes passengers nervous. We will not tolerate it.”
How Long Will the Pilot Last?
The scheme runs until 22 November. Afterwards, rail companies, the BTP, and trade unions will review the results before deciding on next steps. For now, London’s rail networks are doubling down on keeping face coverings front and centre.
