Transport operators were ‘unaware’ of government face-covering plans, claims Leeds council leader

The government announced face coverings would be mandatory for all public transport users from June 15 in order to help halt the spread of Covid-19.

But Coun Judith Blake claimed companies tasked with running bus and train services had not been aware of these plans before they were announced. She added the ambiguity of the advice would also lead to confusion among passengers and operators as to which certain face coverings were acceptable.

Speaking at an online meeting of the Transport for the North Board, Coun Blake said: “It’s clear that we are not going to get passengers back on the systems unless there is a massive increase in confidence.

“It’s crucial that we have communication to help increase that confidence. It is really regrettable, with the system we have got, that ministers feel the need to make announcements in their five o clock briefings. The announcement about masks came out without the operators being aware.

“There isn’t the detail about the type of face covering and masks – so I think we will get a whole range of different face coverings as a result of that.

“I think it’s a big ask of staff if they are having to judge whether those face coverings are adequate or not.”

She also called on Network Rail to include more hand sanitising facilities on station platforms.

“The voice of passengers and their needs needs to be picked up. This is going to be an ongoing issue.”

Transport secretary Grant Shapps announced last Thursday that face coverings would be mandatory on public transport from June 15.

Mr Shapps said “we need to ensure every precaution is taken” on buses, trains, aircraft and ferries as further lockdown measures are eased and passenger numbers increase.

Currently passengers are advised to wear a face covering but are not stopped from travelling without one.

At a Downing Street press conference, Mr Shapps said changes would be made to the conditions of travel for trains and buses.