Coronavirus UK: TfL bosses are NOT issuing fines over masks

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Sadiq Khan's Transport for London today admitted they are not fining commuters for failing to wear facemasks on the Tube - even though the rule came into force 10 days ago.

Responding to a customer complaint about the lack of people wearing masks, the official TfL Twitter account said it was waiting to ensure 'customers understand the new requirements' before taking any enforcement action.

Although TfL bosses insist 90% of its customers are wearing face coverings, the revelation will anger passengers concerned that some people are still failing to abide by the new rules, which cover public transport across England.

One passenger tweeted today: 'If it's so important to wear a face mask, why are people still being allowed to enter stations, stand on platforms and get on trains without them by your station staff, who also aren't wearing face masks all the time while in the stations.'

Meanwhile, train user Robin Hubbard wrote: 'Just been on my first train ride since lockdown started. I reckon at least a third of people NOT wearing face masks - despite repeated station announcements they must do so.'

The Government today said that '85% to 90%' of train passengers were abiding by the new rules. Police and transport staff have the power to fine people £100 for not wearing a face covering, or they can throw them off the service. MailOnline has asked British Transport Police for its latest enforcement data.

Most passengers on this train in Brighton were wearing face masks today. But some were seen with a mask hanging down from their chin, even though they only work properly - by blocking exhaled droplets - if they cover the wearer's mouth and nose

Commuters disembark from a packed train in Brighton today, with thousands of people packing the beach in record-breaking temperatures

On Monday, MailOnline asked Transport for London to disclose the number of people who had been fined but was told 'we don't have these figures'.

However, it emerged today that the authority is waiting until it is confident all passengers understand the mandatory face mask rule before taking enforcement action, even though it came into force on June 15.

Twitter user Lewis Malka wrote today: 'I'm on the tube at Finchley Road. Not many people here but three don't have face masks. What aren't staff enforcing it?'

It emerged today that the authority is waiting until it is confident all passengers understand the mandatory face mask rule before taking enforcement action, even though it came into force on June 15

In response TfL said: 'Hi Lewis, there are people who are exempt from wearing a face covering due to difficulty breathing. To encourage everyone else to wear their face covering, we've introduced customer information including emails, announcements & radio ads.

'Once we're confident customers understand the new requirements, enforcement, which may include being refused entry or being fined, will start. Stay safe.'

Thousands of face masks have been handed out to Tube and train passengers across England after it became compulsory to wear them on all forms of public transport to reduce coronavirus infection rates.

Transport for London today said compliance with the new law was '90 per cent plus' and praised Londoners for being 'really savvy'.

Meanwhile, Transport minister Baroness Vere of Norbiton agreed that initial reports suggested high compliance.

Lady Vere said there would be a 'gradual ramp up' of enforcement and urged the public not to put themselves at risk by asking other passengers not wearing a mask to put one on.

Dozens of people, most wearing face coverings, make their way down the platform at Brighton station this morning

Some passengers were still not wearing face masks on this Jubilee Line train yesterday - although TfL says 90% of people are abiding by the rules

Passengers have been complaining on Twitter after seeing passengers failing to wear face masks on trains, Tubes and buses

Some public transport users have called for more enforcement - although the Government has said officials should advise people about the rules before issuing fines

Rail union warns of national strike unless the government keeps two-metre social distancing rule on public transport A rail union leader is warning of a national strike unless the Government gives 'unequivocal assurances' that the social distancing rules across the transport network will remain at two metres. The Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) said the Government's own review into the social distancing guidance clearly states that public transport presents a high risk due to prolonged indoor contact between large numbers of people from different households. Social distancing will have been an issue today as crowds of passengers, looking to make the most of the hottest day of the year so far, were seen getting off trains at the railway station in Brighton, before making their way down to the beach. Advertisement

Answering an urgent question in the Lords, Lady Vere said initial reports from transport operators suggested a 'high level of compliance' and strong public support for the measure.

But Labour's Baroness McIntosh of Hudnall said she was surprised by the minister's assertion as there was growing anecdotal evidence that many were not complying.

'What will the Government do to ensure a strong, unambiguous message gets through to everyone,' Lady McIntosh demanded.

Lady Vere said compliance was around 85% to 95% on rail.

Coming so 'shortly after the mandation of these face coverings that's a pretty good return', she said.

But ministers were looking at ways of explaining and encouraging people to wear face masks.

'At this moment in time, I think, heavy-handed enforcement would not be appropriate,' Lady Vere added.

Liberal Democrat Lord Bradshaw said the Government's policy was 'killing' public transport and urged ministers to stop giving the message that it was dangerous to use trains and buses.

Lord Bradshaw said it was important to wear face masks and not travel at the busiest times but the Government should draw attention to the 'positives' of public transport.

Lady Vere said she could not agree as using public transport now, except for essential journeys, could be counter productive and may risk the ability to control coronavirus.

Transport for London today said compliance with the new law was '90 per cent plus' (this photo was taken on the Jubilee Line yesterday)

Opposition spokesman Lord Rosser said that despite the impending reopening of pubs, hotels and cinemas, there had been no clear updated guidance on whether people could use public transport to reach these destinations.

Lady Vere said the Government was continually looking at the demand for transport and what capacity there was, to see if demand was in danger of exceeding supply.

'If there is capacity on public transport it may well be that the Government's messaging will change,' she added.

'But what we cannot do in the short term is suddenly open up public transport to everybody because there simply isn't the capacity.'

Challenged over suggestions that passengers could be threatened if they asked others to wear face masks, the minister advised members of the public not to approach individuals themselves but speak to police or transport staff.

'I don't want members of the public putting themselves at risk in order to encourage people to wear face coverings,' she told peers.