Face coverings compulsory on public transport in England from 15 June

[MrTurbostar170]

These 'journey makers', what powers do they have exactly? Or will they just be there to receive abuse by those who refuse to wear masks.

 

[Bletchleyite]

These 'journey makers', what powers do they have exactly? Or will they just be there to receive abuse by those who refuse to wear masks.

None, they are helpers not enforcers.

 

[sheff1]

Of the briefing I've seen face coverings' should be worn within station premises(as you enter a station)and on board all trains in England.
This also applies to those visiting a station but not travelling (however t's only legally required on trains), it doesn't apply to station carparks.

What briefing is this ? There is currently no legal requirement to wear a face covering on trains.

 

[yorksrob]

Of the briefing I've seen face coverings' should be worn within station premises(as you enter a station)and on board all trains in England.
This also applies to those visiting a station but not travelling (however t's only legally required on trains), it doesn't apply to station carparks.

Well, Schapps specifically said it was only in vehicles.

 

[MDB1images]

What briefing is this ? There is currently no legal requirement to wear a face covering on trains.

The briefing to staff(EDIT: at my TOC and refers to from Monday)

 

[sheff1]

Hmm - a staff brief stating something is a legal requirement when it isn't.

 

[MDB1images]

Hmm - a staff brief stating something is a legal requirement when it isn't.

Was passing the info on mate based on seeing peoples concerns on this thread.
This is the Gov.uk take

New rules on face coverings coming in on Monday will help keep passengers safe

Passengers who don't follow the new rules on face coverings will not be allowed to travel on public transport.

www.gov.uk

 

[MikeWM]

Well, Schapps specifically said it was only in vehicles.

GA's messaging was saying 'on our stations and trains' last weekend. I'm not entirely sure what use covering my face for half an hour waiting for a connection on an open platform at, say, Ely, is supposed to do, other than irritate me.

 

[sheff1]

Was passing the info on mate based on seeing peoples concerns on this thread.
This is the Gov.uk take

New rules on face coverings coming in on Monday will help keep passengers safe

Passengers who don't follow the new rules on face coverings will not be allowed to travel on public transport.

www.gov.uk

Yes, I understand you were passing on info you had been given.

Shapps said "rules" will come into force. Government ministers have made similar claims about new 'rules' before and no legislation has been introduced. The new legislation published today made no reference to face coverings. If/when legislation on face coverings is introduced we will know where we stand.

EDIT: I see you have added that the brief refers to "from Monday". Lets see what happens in the next couple of days.

 

[theironroad]

The briefing to staff(EDIT: at my TOC and refers to from Monday)

The briefing you posted is, off top of my head, pretty much same as the one I've seen, not sure if you work for swr of not but I think it's a commonly agreed brief by all tocs in England.

 

[AM9]

Nope, just someone that pays attention in class....

Well if you want to use public transport, it would be advisable to pay attention to post #966. I'm sure that someone will let us all know when the law is actually changed so that you won't make any mistakes. Of course there is sufficient evidence that face coverings can reduce any water droplets containing the virus when the wearer exhales. This has been stated by experts, which is why the government are making this change.

 

[theironroad]

GA's messaging was saying 'on our stations and trains' last weekend. I'm not entirely sure what use covering my face for half an hour waiting for a connection on an open platform at, say, Ely, is supposed to do, other than irritate me.

This is where it seems to be getting very messy. Seems the government (either as reported by BBC or guardian) deem the coverings only have to be worn on board a train (where it is hArder to social distance but not going to the train etc )

However all the train companies (under RDG, nat rail enq ) to advise they must be worn from arriving at station until departing and then on any further transport for example on the tube.

As. Usual. It. Is.a. mess.......

 

[Solent&Wessex]

It sounds like a common brief has been issued to all TOCS.

This is what we received today - not SWR by the way!

Face Masks Colleague Q&A
Q. What are the “five E’s”?
Engage – remind people that the wearing of face coverings is now compulsory
Explain – tell people why it is important to wear a face covering - because it protects other people from catching the virus
Encourage – actively encourage people to wear a face covering
Enable - for example by pointing them in the direction of where to obtain one
Enforce – this should be done as a last resort and by the British Transport Police
A reminder to front line colleagues that you are not there to enforce customers to wear face coverings we ask that you don’t get into confrontations with customers who are not complying with the rules if enforcement is needed this will be done as a last resort by BTP.

Q. What’s the role of rail colleagues in supporting this?
The role of our colleagues will be to engage, explain and encourage customers to wear a face covering. This will be done through communication (verbal, announcements, posters) and their own wearing of a face mask (if appropriate) and by directing customers to where they can purchase a face covering. Customers are expected to comply with the new rule, but should enforcement be required this is expected to be carried out by BTP.

Q. What’s the role of the BTP in supporting this?
BTP should be used as a last resort to enforce the rule, but only after rail colleagues have exhausted the first four (engage, explain, encourage, enable).

Q. Which colleagues need to wear a face covering and when?
All colleagues, contractors and tenants should wear face coverings when they are at work at stations and on a train where there is no physical barrier between them and customers. This is unless they are exempted from wearing coverings for medical reasons.

Q. Will the same rules apply to colleagues – could they be fined?
No, colleagues will not be fined. However, all colleagues, contractors and tenants should
wear face coverings when they are at work at stations and on a train where there is no
physical barrier between them and customers. This is to encourage customers to use face
coverings.

Q. Where does this apply - what about back-office areas in stations?
Face masks do not need to be worn in non-customer facing areas.

Q. Where will information about this be made available for customers?
More detailed information will be available on the National Rail website, on our website and
social media channels.

Q. What about if there are screens or other barriers in place to protect colleagues?
If there are screens (glass and Perspex) or other barriers in place and you are not working
within two metres of someone else, then face coverings do not need to be worn.

Q. Where can I get hold of a suitable face covering for work?
Stations, signing on points, offices or ask your line manager.

Q. Is there a specific type of face covering that I need to wear?
Yes, wear the company issued face mask or visor.

Q. The role that I do means I would normally wear another kind of face covering or mask,
what should I do?
You should continue to wear the mask or face covering which has been issued to you.

Q. What if I run out of a supply of face coverings?
You should speak to your line manager.

Q. What do I do with my face covering when I am finished with it?
If it is reusable, you should wash it at the end of every day. If it is a disposable type, you
should ensure you put it in the bins marked for masks. Always wash your hands and do not
handle the mask unnecessarily.

Q. What about other people on railway property (station visitors, retail outlets etc)?
All colleagues, contractors and tenants should wear facemasks when they are at work at
stations and on train where there is no physical barrier between them and customers. This
is unless they are exempted from wearing coverings for medical reasons.

Q. What about if I need to provide assistance to a customer who has hearing difficulties -
do I still need to wear my face covering?
If someone needs to lip-read you, then you should ask them to step back at least two
metres. Safely remove your face mask without touching your face or mouth and have the
conversation. Then replace your face mask, again without touching your face or mouth. If
possible, wash or sanitise your hands before and after touching your face covering. If you
have a face visor, you can use this.

Q. What if I have a bad reaction to wearing a face mask?
Speak to your line manager as you may be able to receive a medical exemption from
needing to wear a face covering.

Q. Do I need to wear a face mask in the driving cab?
A. No, you do not need to wear a face covering when in the cab on your own.

Q. How do I wear a visor or face mask?
A. Instructions on how to wear a face mask can be found attached
to this brief.

Q. What happens to me if I don’t wear a visor or face mask whilst at work?
A. It is crucial that we lead by example and wear a visor or face mask in all areas open to the
travelling public and adhere to this requirement, especially as it is mandatory for all
customers from the 15th June. One to one discussion will be held to understand any
concerns preventing this and these will be explored constructively to allow us to find an
appropriate solution that enables us to deliver the requirement for all employees to wear a
visor or face mask in all public areas whilst working on stations.

Q. Do all those working in the rail industry have the same approach whether Network Rail,
TOC or contactor?
A. We expect all colleagues to be wearing face coverings when in public areas in stations
and on trains whether the station is managed by Network Rail or a TOC. The type of face
covering is likely to vary dependent on supply and company policy and could include mask,
visor or face covering.

Q. Would you consider reimbursing me for purchasing my own face mask or face covering
that suits my needs such as style and comfort?
A. No. We expect all colleagues to use the face masks or visors provided by your employer.
This is to ensure consistency and quality.

Q. Do I need to wear a face mask in a station car park?
A. No. We expect colleagues to be wearing face masks when in public areas in stations and
on trains.

Q. Can I sell a train ticket at a station if a customer is not wearing a facemask?
A. You should sell a ticket to the customer, but you should make sure they understand that a
face covering is required before they can travel.

Q. Has this been agreed with the unions?
A. The unions have actively campaigned for mandating face coverings for customers using
the rail network. All employers will continue to work closely with colleagues and unions in
accordance with principles agreed at the Rail Industry Coronavirus Forum and to ensure that
visors, face masks and coverings are comfortable and working arrangements support their
use.

Q. Does this also apply to those working in shops and restaurants in stations?
A. Yes.

Q. Do I need to wear a face covering when travelling to work?
A. Yes. Anyone on our trains, including colleagues who are commuting or travelling for work on public transport, are required to wear a face covering. Face visors are not a valid face covering when travelling on trains.

Q. Do people using the station who are not paying customers need to wear a face covering?
A. Yes. Given people will have to wear the face coverings on trains, we are asking everyone to wear one as they pass through our stations. However, it is only legally required on trains.

Q. What if a customer uses something else as a temporary face covering e.g. pull up clothing?
A. The definition is “a cloth face covering should cover your mouth and nose while allowing you to breathe comfortably. It can be as simple as a scarf or bandana that ties behind the head”. Colleagues can use their experience and good judgment about specific circumstances.

Q. How should I deal with customers that are removing face coverings to eat or drink?
A. Colleagues can use their experience and good judgment about specific circumstances. If a customer temporarily removes a face covering whilst eating or drinking whilst maintaining social distancing, then this should be permitted with an expectation that they re-place it to continue their journey.

Q. What arrangements are in place for the public to dispose of used masks?
Whilst over time most face coverings used are likely to be reusable, where disposable ones are thrown away at stations, they are to be put in a closed bin. Our cleaners have been briefed on the correct procedure. Where a person has symptoms, disposal instructions are in the cleaning guidance provided to stations. This approach is aligned to guidance from Public Health (England, Scotland & Wales) and has been confirmed with regulators (the Environment Agency, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency & Natural Resources Wales).

Q. If I have to take a taxi, should I wear a face covering, and should the taxi driver?
A. Unless there is a glass or Perspex barrier between you and the taxi driver, both you and the driver should wear face coverings.

Of additional note is a circular from the Trade Union this afternoon too, which arrived almost as soon as Shapps had finished the daily briefing:

RMT advice to members
New legislation in England requiring passengers to wear face coverings

To protect our members and help prevent the spread of Covid -19 RMT has been campaigning for all passengers to be required to wear face masks. The government had previously announced new legislation would come into force on 15th June but, following further representations from RMT, government and employers have only now been able provide more detailed information.

RMT believes that passengers should wear face coverings as soon as they enter a transport system, such as entering a station or terminal. The position of the transport industry is that face coverings are only mandated when ‘on-vehicle’. But staff must wear face coverings in all public areas.

RMT is concerned that this latest announcement on face coverings is a step towards abandoning effective social distancing and does little to protect transport workers. We continue to argue that staff in public areas should have access to effective PPE.

Key points to note
The legislation applies to passengers in public transport vehicles and does not apply to staff. There will be no enforcement against staff by the police.
So for instance, bus drivers do not have to wear face mask coverings while in cab with appropriate screens, nor would for example staff in train cabs or staff in booking offices which have physical barriers.
It is the case however that employers will probably instruct staff to wear face coverings when in the passenger environment, such as working on trains and in stations Staff may also be asked to “engage, explain and encourage” passengers to wear a mask. This should not be taken to imply staff are responsible for enforcing passengers wearing face coverings. Staff are categorically not responsible for enforcement and should always avoid any conflict situations with passengers. Staff are not expected to enforce the wearing of face masks. That is the responsibility of the Police.

What the legislation means
From Monday 15th June new legislation will take effect under the Public Control of Diseases Act 1984 requiring passengers in England to wear face coverings whilst using public transport such as rail, tube, bus and ferry services.
The legislation will require passengers to wear face coverings while “in vehicle” for example while on a train, but not when they are not in a vehicle, for example when they are on a station platform, a bus stop or ferry terminal.
The legislation will not apply in Scotland or Wales. This means that once passengers cross the border out of England, they will not be required to wear face coverings, or once they cross the border into England, they will be required to wear face coverings.

Enforcement
As this is public health legislation enforcement will be the responsibility of the British Transport Police and not transport staff. While we anticipate a widespread publicity programme educating passengers to the new requirement and staff may be asked to “engage, explain and encourage” passengers to wear a mask, staff are categorically not responsible for enforcement and should always avoid any conflict situations with passengers.

When will transport employees be expected to wear masks?
Whilst the legislation applies to passengers and not staff, transport employees working for public transport will be expected to wear face masks when in the vehicle, for example the train and on stations and also at ticket offices / information points that do not have a glass or Perspex barrier.

When will transport employees not be expected to wear masks.
Face coverings will not be expected to be worn by employees when;
• Where there is a physical barrier between transport employees and passengers. For example, behind a glass or Perspex barrier such as in a bus cab or in a booking office
• In train cabs – front, mid or rear when on own;
• If they are exempted from coverings for medical reasons,
• In offices and mess rooms away from customer view;
• In non-passenger facing locations such as siding and maintenance depots

The new legislation does not affect existing RMT advice to help protect RMT members from Covid - 19.

It is important that you continue to follow existing RMT advice to help protect members from Covid – 19, namely;
• If you’re not well – don’t come to work and don’t travel
• If you’re at work wash your hands frequently with soap and water / hand sanitizer
• Where possible work from home
• Maintain at least 2 metres social distancing at work

The employer should ensure the following:
• Restrict passenger travel to essential journeys only for as long as possible
• If 2 metres social distancing can’t be maintained, agreed protection must be in place
• Non-PPE standard masks such as surgical masks and face coverings are no excuse to allow over-crowding or breaches of 2 metre social distancing
• Tasks must be Risk Assessed and Safe Systems of Work created and agreed with RMT Representatives according to the circumstances and in order to protect staff and public in the current Coronavirus emergency.
• Risk Assessments and revised Safe Systems of Work may mean that PPE is required in order to protect the wearer, such as face masks, visors and gloves. Where such PPE is required, it must be of a sufficient PPE standard as agreed with RMT Representatives to protect the wearer.
• Where provided, PPE must be adequate and always available
• Such situations may include, but are not limited to, working on gatelines, providing passenger assistance and interaction with passenger’s on-board trains

RMT advice to Members
• Remember, if you are placed in any situation where you feel your health and safety is not protected, you have a legal right to take yourself to a place of safety
• RMT will protect you and your rights
• Talk to your RMT Health and Safety Rep about your concerns

 

[Solent&Wessex]

Exactly. The message being sent is 'public transport is so uniquely dangerous, compared to any other activity, that you're required to take special measures to protect yourself and others.' How that is supposed to get people starting to use it again - if that were the aim - is anyone's guess. At this rate we'll be lucky to have any public transport left once the funding tap is tightened.

The message from Shapps was still, Friday , that you must avoid public transport at all costs.

Will this mean that conductors will now have to walk down the length of the train checking people are complying? At the minute I've noticed they don't even check tickets. Will that change from next week?

They should be walking down the aisles regularly to check for people who need assistance! (e.g. search for 'crosscountry dead 5 hours' today - "the man was only found at the depot in Bournemouth by a cleaner")

On Train Staff, at least at my TOC, have been specifically told they must NOT go down the train at all unless it is an emergency. No patrolling of trains, no revenue duties, nothing. Unless this instruction changes then I can't see ticket checks - or enforcement of face covering checks - happening at all.

 

[johnnychips]

This is where it seems to be getting very messy. Seems the government (either as reported by BBC or guardian) deem the coverings only have to be worn on board a train (where it is hArder to social distance but not going to the train etc )

However all the train companies (under RDG, nat rail enq ) to advise they must be worn from arriving at station until departing and then on any further transport for example on the tube.

As. Usual. It. Is.a. mess.......

Oh dear. I have to pass through the overpass at Sheffield station to where I live. I can envisage some interesting conversations with BTP. I was told off tonight by trying to enter by the door which says ‘no entry’ but is fixed open, as opposed to the door which says ‘entry’ but appears closed. I do think this social distancing is a waste of time, but those three blokes were certainly not practising it. I wonder if I’ll have to put a mask on to get home.

 

[PG]

Shapps said "rules" will come into force. Government ministers have made similar claims about new 'rules' before and no legislation has been introduced. The new legislation published today made no reference to face coverings. If/when legislation on face coverings is introduced we will know where we stand.

What time do services commence on Monday morning? So long as the legislation is made and comes into force before that time then it'll do, though it all seems very seat-of-the-pants.

Assuming that they do intend to use legislation then either:

a) publication of legislation is being delayed until the last minute, presumably to avoid scrutiny (devious)​

Or​

b) the legislation has yet to be drafted (incompetent)​

I'm sure that someone will let us all know when the law is actually changed

Ideally the government as opposed to a forum member! ...and before anyone takes offence I'd trust most forum members over the government

As. Usual. It. Is.a. mess.......

Exactly.

 

[yorksrob]

GA's messaging was saying 'on our stations and trains' last weekend. I'm not entirely sure what use covering my face for half an hour waiting for a connection on an open platform at, say, Ely, is supposed to do, other than irritate me.

Quite. If you're doing a long journey, the point at which you change trains might be the point at which a gasp of fresh air can make it more bearable.

One can only assume that it's part of the industry's wider death-wish.

I will be wearing my face covering on the trains, not on the platforms.

 

[dk1]

Will this mean that conductors will now have to walk down the length of the train checking people are complying? At the minute I've noticed they don't even check tickets. Will that change from next week?

The conductors will not pass through the passenger saloon except in emergency situations or should say a pass com need resetting. They will not challenge anyone for not wearing masks and trains must not be delayed at any time for that reason.

 

[Bantamzen]

Well if you want to use public transport, it would be advisable to pay attention to post #966. I'm sure that someone will let us all know when the law is actually changed so that you won't make any mistakes. Of course there is sufficient evidence that face coverings can reduce any water droplets containing the virus when the wearer exhales. This has been stated by experts, which is why the government are making this change.

Reduce, not stop. There was a very good reason why for months that the WHO advised against their use in public environments (and I have still yet to see the reasoning behind their change of heart), that is because there is still a very good amount of doubt about the effectiveness of them. The law might change, but that doesn't necessarily make it right.

Of course none of this will matter for too long. As a result of the locktivist & masktvist campaigning, public transport is about to become such a social pariah that it won't survive in its current shape and size for very long. If it were not so serious, it would be quiet amusing to see rail enthusiasts cheer on a measure that is going to drive (quiet literally in this case) people away from the railways and buses, which given that they are a for-profit, privatised system will doubtless mean massive cutbacks in the coming months and & years. But hey, so long as you feel cozy & safe eh...?

 

[nedchester]

Reduce, not stop. There was a very good reason why for months that the WHO advised against their use in public environments (and I have still yet to see the reasoning behind their change of heart), that is because there is still a very good amount of doubt about the effectiveness of them. The law might change, but that doesn't necessarily make it right.

Of course none of this will matter for too long. As a result of the locktivist & masktvist campaigning, public transport is about to become such a social pariah that it won't survive in its current shape and size for very long. If it were not so serious, it would be quiet amusing to see rail enthusiasts cheer on a measure that is going to drive (quiet literally in this case) people away from the railways and buses, which given that they are a for-profit, privatised system will doubtless mean massive cutbacks in the coming months and & years. But hey, so long as you feel cozy & safe eh...?

Exactly. My concern is not the introduction of masks but like the lockdown itself the lifting of the lockdown/face masks.

The problem is that risk averse people involved in the management of these things deciding that they won’t lift the requirement to wear masks until it is 100% safe (clue it’s never ever 100% safe).

However, like the lockdown the public will decide when they don’t won’t to put up with it for any longer. The problem here though is that they may decide to just not use public transport reversing decades of progress made by the transport industry to move to greener ways of getting around.

 

[island]

I’m still expecting secondary legislation under the Public Health Act 1984 to be published today or tomorrow and certified as emergency legislation thereby not requiring to be laid before the Commons prior to taking effect.

That will, in my view, put the legislation on extremely shaky ground. The mask requirement was first broached (if memory serves) on 4 June. There has been ample time to lay secondary legislation before the Commons in the intervening period. If it was such an emergency, it could have been implemented earlier.

 

[Killingworth]

Wil we see the day of a mask trespass of walkers piling into trains for Edale and Kinder? At present the hills are as crowded with walkers as ever, yet virtually none are coming by the 4 car trains that have been provided since May.

 

[yorksrob]

Wil we see the day of a mask trespass of walkers piling into trains for Edale and Kinder? At present the hills are as crowded with walkers as ever, yet virtually none are coming by the 4 car trains that have been provided since May.

Not whilst the authorities are saying the trains are for "essential journeys only" we won't.

 

[nlogax]

Yesterday I did my first train journey since early March. Only 20 minutes each way.. it was to have (socially distanced) drinks with a mate in the park. In a way I could say it was essential..no way was I driving!

I had a carriage to myself for the trip up, but on the return there must have been a dozen of us. Most of us in masks. No bother, no fuss.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Not whilst the authorities are saying the trains are for "essential journeys only" we won't.

I think you're missing the point of a mass trespass!

 

[AM9]

... But hey, so long as you feel cozy & safe eh...?

If you mean me, I just get on with it. I'm not an armchair epidemiologist or an expert on the spread of water droplets from exhaling.
I don't have a hang-up about wearing a face covering so long as it is necessary. Sometimes, small temporary sacrifices for the wellbeing of others is a win win and more important than obsessions about my human rights.

 

[Mintona]

So, what happens if you refuse to wear one?

 

[Bletchleyite]

So, what happens if you refuse to wear one?

You don't travel.

 

[Solent&Wessex]

You don't travel.

But realistically no one is going to stop you, as I outlined above in the guidance to rail staff I posted - staff are not to enforce it, only advise on it. Enforcement is by BTP who we know are thin on the ground, especially once you move away from major hub stations.

 

[Solent&Wessex]

As an aside -slightly off topic but still relevant - the method of introducing the legislation and the wording contained therein might also have repercussions to the Heritage Railway movement who may be looking to re-open soon.

And as also noted above, if the wearing of face coverings does accidentally end up covering heritage railways too by virtue of the wording used in the legislation, then how long it takes for the law to be removed is just as important. Dining Trains, Santa trains and a host of other activities might actually become possible and viable if social distancing is reduced, but remain difficult (nigh on impossible) and just simply undesirable and unenjoyable if the wearing of face coverings continues for any length of time.