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Local authorities frustrated as Government removes legal backing for public transport face masks Mark Bursa Local authorities are frustrated by the Government’s approach, saying they would like to continue with mandatory face coverings, but they do not have the power to do so after the government removed the legal requirement that they be worn on public transport or in crowded spaces from July 19. Transport for London says it will continue to enforce the wearing of face coverings on all its networks – including taxis and private hire vehicles – despite weak and confusing Government guidelines and the lifting of restrictions on July 19. TfL issued a detailed statement in which it states: “Customers are required to wear a face covering, unless exempt, when travelling on the TfL network.” This covers London Underground, buses, trams, DLR, London Overground and TfL Rail. While taxis and
PHVs are not directly under TfL control, TfL said it “expects and recommends” taxi and private hire vehicle drivers and passengers wear masks, unless exempt. Enforcement officers in London will be able to deny access or eject passengers from public transport networks who are found to not be complying with the mask requirement, but it is unclear whether these officers will be available to help drivers whose passengers re-
fuse to wear a mask. “TfL does not tolerate any abuse of its customers or staff and will work with the police to prevent such behaviour and take action where necessary,” the TfL statement said. Elsewhere in the UK, local officials bemoaned the fact they were unable to enforce mask-wearing outside transport facilities under their direct control. In Liverpool, masks are mandatory on Mersey Ferries and the ferry
landing stage, but Liverpool Mayor Steve Rotherham said he “doesn’t have the power” to make them mandatory on all public transport. Research carried out by YouGov shows that 68% of people support the retention of face coverings on public transport at this point in the pandemic and that face coverings play an important role in giving people confidence to use public transport. TfL customer research from May 2 to 29 showed that 86% of customers said they were wearing face coverings at all times on TfL public transport services. Of the 14% per cent not wearing a face covering at all times or not at all, almost three-quarters have an exemption or good reason under the regulations for not doing so. However, anecdotal evidence suggests the numbers wearing masks has declined substantially since July 19, with people believing they no longer need to wear the coverings.
Addison Lee will keep in-cab safety screens until Summer 2022 Addison Lee will keep partition screens between drivers and passengers in its vehicles until at least summer 2022. The announcement comes as the Government announces the removal of most restrictions imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic, despite high levels of infections. The installation of partition screens into Addison Lee’s fleet of 4,000 vehicles began in May 2020, and was seen as a vital safety measure alongside protective equipment for drivers and electrostatic antimicrobial vehicle cleanses, designed to help stop the spread of coronavirus. The firm, which completed its acquisition of taxi operator ComCab earlier this month, also offers safety screens across the 2,500 ComCab taxis operating in London. Addison Lee CEO Liam Griffin said: “The safety of our passengers
JULY 2021
and drivers has, and always will be, our number one priority. With restrictions lifting in London, we will continue to lead the industry in hygiene and safety and do all we can to ensure that Londoners have access to clean and safe transport options.
“Our partition screens have protected thousands of passengers and drivers over the course of the pandemic. We will continue to play our part in helping them to feel as safe as possible when they travel.” In line with the Mayor of London’s
decision to keep mask wearing compulsory across public transport, the company will also expect both drivers and passengers wear face masks when travelling in their vehicles. Griffin continued: “As London gets moving again, it is important that the transport network works together to keep the public safe and prevent further spread of the virus. In particular, it is vital that all London transport providers give passengers clear and consistent guidance before travelling and find ways to go above and beyond to protect the health of both their staff and the public. He concluded: “The past eighteen months have shown us that private hire and taxi services have a critical role to play in helping to tackle transmission rates and improving public confidence.” —Mark Bursa
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