A NORTH-EAST bus company has been criticised after passengers complained new rules on face coverings were 'not being enforced' on its services.

Passengers using Go North East hit out on social media following the introduction of new government rules across public transport on Monday.

However, the company has said it is asking its customers to tell bus drivers if they cannot wear a face covering due to medical conditions.

Under new rules, passengers caught using public transport without a face covering can be fined £100 by police, unless exempt due to certain conditions.

Operators are able to refuse travel or call on local police to issue fines for those caught flouting the rules.

But on social media, passengers criticised Go North East with some claiming the new rules were not being enforced on a number of its services.

One passenger, Roz Smith said: "I'm on the 20 currently from Sunderland to South Shields and I'm the only person currently wearing one.

"When I asked the driver about it he just shrugged his shoulders at me."

She went on to say: "I understand some people may not have to (wear face coverings) but people aren't even being asked when they get on without one."

Another passenger, Joanne Hollins said: "I was on the 20 early this morning and people were not wearing them. But at least I felt a bit safer with mine on."

A passenger told The Northern Echo that a driver had 'allowed' passengers to board a Go North East bus - without face coverings - and claimed they had not been questioned.

But responding, Stephen King, Commercial Director at Go North East, said that it was encouraging customers to follow the rules on face coverings.

He said: "In line with the guidance from government we expect everyone to wear a face covering whilst using our services.

"Whilst we are asking people to wear one, we must also be mindful of those customers who can't or find it difficult as per the government exemptions.

"We are therefore asking customers to let the driver know when they board the bus if this is the case, so you may see some people travelling without a face covering.

"This includes our drivers, who are also exempt from wearing a face cover whilst driving as they are already working behind a screen to protect them.

"More information about using face coverings on our services can be found on our website - gonortheast.co.uk."

We asked the Department for Transport whether bus operators would be required to 'police' such rules and they told us the following.

They said: "Enforcement is for police, which will be able to issue fixed penalties as set out in the Wearing of Face Covering Regulations - £100, or £50 if paid in 14 days.

"However, it’s important to note is that enforcement is unlikely to be an issue.

"We have seen the public show remarkable commitment to acting in the best interest of their fellow citizens and we expect that displayed with regards face coverings too.

"We do not expect stringent enforcement immediately from 15 June.

"We propose a gradual ramp-up of enforcement, accompanied by a significant communications campaign over a sustained period."