Railway Staff and Police Join Forces to Boost Face Mask Compliance in London
From today (28th September), four major train operators — Great Northern, Southeastern, Southern, and Thameslink — have teamed up with the British Transport Police (BTP) in a new pilot scheme across London. Their mission? To crack down on passengers flouting face covering rules and encourage safer travel amid ongoing health concerns.
‘Four Es’ Strategy in Action
The trial is part of the rail industry’s “Safer Travel Pledge” and puts railway staff and BTP officers together on patrols, both on stations and trains. They’ll use the railways’ “Four Es” approach: Engage, Explain, Encourage, and Enforce compliance with mask-wearing.
While around 90% of travellers already wear face coverings, fines will be handed out to those who refuse and don’t leave when asked. Health exemptions remain in place for those who cannot wear masks.
Fines Soar as Police Step Up Enforcement
Since the start of the campaign, BTP officers have stopped over 54,000 people to remind them of the rules and asked nearly 4,000 to leave railway premises. So far, 81 fines have been issued. Last week, the government hiked the maximum penalty for breaking face covering laws to a whopping £6,400 in England.
Officials Stress Public Safety and Confidence
Robert Nisbet, Director of Nations and Regions at the Rail Delivery Group, said: “We thank the vast majority of people who are wearing face coverings to help stop the spread of the virus. This pilot is a great example of rail companies working together with the British Transport Police to help ensure people can travel with confidence.”
Chief Superintendent Martin Fry of the British Transport Police added: “The majority of people want to do the right thing and protect each other by wearing face coverings. Those who comply or are exempt have nothing to fear. But a minority deliberately flout the law, putting lives at risk and making passengers nervous.”
The pilot scheme will run until 22nd November before rail companies, police, and trade unions review its impact and decide on next steps.
