Face coverings: police will only fine people 'as a very last resort'

Police say they will only fine people as a "very last resort" if they are caught without a face mask on trains and in stations.

From today, the wearing of face coverings becomes mandatory on public transport in Scotland.

The rules also apply to buses, ferries, planes and taxis.

British Transport Police says it will "continue to support rail staff in engaging with passengers, explaining the importance of preventing the spread of the virus and encouraging people to wear face coverings".

It says that "as a very last resort, officers will now be able to issue fixed penalty notice fines for breaching the regulations".

Those not complying will be fined £60, reduced to £30 if it is paid within 28 days. However, repeated offenders could face a penalty of up to £960.

Children under the age of five are exempt, along with anyone who can’t wear a face covering due to physical or mental illness, age or disability.  

Assistant Chief Constable Sean O’Callaghan said: "I reiterate that everyone should still be avoiding public transport if at all possible.

"We are however confident that those who need to use the railway will act responsibly and will want to play their part in helping to protect each other and comply with the requirement to wear face coverings.

"We understand that initially not everyone may be aware that it is now mandatory to wear face coverings - therefore our approach will be to engage with the public, explain the new government policy and encourage them to follow the new regulations for travelling on the railway.

"Only as an absolute last resort will we carry out enforcement in the form of fines. We are sure that the public will want to be responsible and do their part to protect others by wearing face coverings."