Leeds bus drivers assaulted during Covid restrictions as police issue zero fines for not wearing masks

A 'threat to kill' a Leeds bus driver was recorded by West Yorkshire Police during Covid restrictions - as it was revealed no fines had been handed out for refusing to wear a mask on buses.
By Daniel Sheridan
Published 21st Nov 2020, 16:45 BST
Updated 21st Nov 2020, 16:56 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

At least four Leeds bus drivers were also assaulted between July and August 2020, new figures obtained in a Freedom of Information request have revealed.

Only one of the five incidents is ongoing, with no suspect identified in three of the cases and 'difficulties' with evidence in the other according to police logs.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The victim was working as a bus driver at the time of each respective offence, the figures stated.

At least four Leeds bus drivers were also assaulted between July and August 2020, new figures have revealed.At least four Leeds bus drivers were also assaulted between July and August 2020, new figures have revealed.
At least four Leeds bus drivers were also assaulted between July and August 2020, new figures have revealed.

West Yorkshire Police have not issued any fixed penalty notices or cautions for failing to wear a face covering on a bus, the FOI revealed.

Responding to the FOI request, West Yorkshire Police said: "Throughout the Covid 19 pandemic West Yorkshire Police have employed the consistent approach of the 4 E’s in line with NPCC guidance, ENGAGE, EXPLAIN, ENCOURAGE, ENFORCE.

"Our approach in respect of enforcement has also remained consistent in that it is intelligence led. All reports of breaches of the regulations are subject to a threat assessment, with enforcement action being taken where the use of the first 3 E’s of engage, explain and encourage have been unsuccessful in resolving the issue, previous warnings have not been heeded and/or the behaviour being exhibited poses a serious risk to public health."

Face coverings - First Bus advice

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In England it is now mandatory to wear a face covering on Public Transport unless you have an exemption.

Failure to do so may result in a fixed penalty notice of £200 (reduced to £100 if paid within 14 days).

Please remember to bring a face covering or mask for your journey, it needs to fit well and cover your mouth and nose.

Put your face covering on before boarding the bus.

If you have an exemption and you are unable to wear a face covering please be prepared to inform the driver or show an Extra help to travel card (Journey assistance card).

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Please take your face covering with you at the end of your journey.

____

Support the YEP and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news and the latest on Leeds United, With a digital subscription, you see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.