Government criticised over face covering guidance beyond July 19

Bus companies are understood to be waiting for clarification from the Department of Transport on whether passengers should use coverings, and if so when.

The Northern Echo understands that some operators have been left unable to fully plan as almost all lockdown restrictions are eased in two weeks' time.

Read more: Map reveals how Covid has surged across North East in FOUR weeks

The Confederation of Passenger Transport, which represents the bus and coach sector across the UK, has slammed the Government for sending out "mixed" messages.

Meanwhile, it has called on the Government to make it clear what the science is telling them on the use of face coverings, and to decide on whether people should wear them or not.

It has also said, that for as long as it advises face coverings are required in enclosed public spaces, they should be mandated to avoid confusion.

A spokesperson for the CPT said: “(Monday's) announcement that social distancing will end will allow buses to play a full role in the country’s recovery from the pandemic.

"However, this is being put at risk by the confusing announcement on face coverings which passes the buck to operators unfairly placing staff on the front line in managing disputes.

"Operators have worked hard to make bus and coach travel safe during the pandemic and the Government should make it clear what the science is now telling them."

During Boris Johnson's announcement on the easing of lockdown on Monday, the PM said the government would end the "legal obligation" to wear a face covering.

However, he added that guidance will "suggest" where you might choose to do so, and said this would be "when cases are rising, and "where you come into contact with people you don't usually meet in enclosed spaces," such as crowded public transport.

The CPT spokesperson went on to warn that without clear guidance, confusion and mixed messaging could potentially prevent people from using public transport. 

They said: "If it advises face coverings are still required, then they should be mandated in all enclosed public spaces but if they are no longer required then there should be no guidance advising of their continued use.

“This confusion and mixed messaging will discourage people from travelling to work, to the shops or from visiting visitor attractions across the country, making it harder for local economies to bounce back and for bus and coach to play a role in reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality by taking cars off our roads.”

The CPT said it is working with operators to make sure that in advance of July 19 passengers are clear about what they can expect.

It said that as an industry, it is not expecting to "mandate" face coverings on bus and coach services.

In contrast, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps last night said that he would support an operator's decision to make face coverings still mandatory.

He said he would still wear a mask when travelling “where it is appropriate to do so," as he urged passengers to use their "common sense." 

Mr Shapps said: “We will be still in guidance and providing information about mask-wearing.

"We know that it’s sensible in more enclosed spaces, and I will wear a mask personally where it is appropriate to do so.

“The airlines have already said it’s a condition of carriage, I think, in all the cases that I’ve seen, and where it’s a condition of carriage of course I would always wear it.

“On the other hand, if you’re in an empty carriage on a long-distance train for many hours, then people will use their common sense."

The Northern Echo contacted the Department for Transport but did not receive a response at time of publication.

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