Face masks compulsory on public transport from today

Face masks are now compulsory on public transport and taxis in Wales.

The law, which comes into force from today (Monday, July 27), was announced by First Minister Mark Drakeford two weeks ago.

The law has already been introduced in Scotland and England.

Children aged ten and under and people with certain health conditions, such as respiratory diseases, will be exempt from the rules.

Three-layer face coverings are recommended by Welsh Government, with the aim of making commuters more comfortable with using public transport as lockdown restrictions are gradually eased.

Bus drivers, train guards, taxi drivers and other operators may stop people from boarding unless they are wearing a face covering.

Fixed penalty notices may be issued to those who refuse to wear face masks, with a £60 fine in the first instance and then doubling for repeat offences.

Ken Skates, Welsh Government’s minister for economy and transport, said: “From today, the vast majority of our public transport users in Wales will be required to wear a face covering while travelling on our buses, our trains and in taxis.

“The law has been introduced to help reduce the risk of public transmission of coronavirus and to protect the health of our public transport users.

“We know it may not always be possible to maintain a two metre physical distance on public transport and the requirement to wear a face covering is in addition to other guidance we have issued to our transport providers in order to encourage safe travel.”