Scotland’s Railway and British Transport Police send out safety message

Scotland’s Railway and British Transport Police are asking people to ‘travel safe’ over Christmas and New Year and make sure they wear a face covering, unless medically exempt.

They said that, after the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, face coverings are mandatory in stations, on open-air platforms and inside trains.

All customers are being asked to ‘Wear One and Protect Everyone.’

British Tansport Police said it will continue with the ‘4Es’ approach of engaging, explaining, encouraging and, as a last resort, enforcing any coronavirus legal requirements.

Customers, meanwhile, are being urged to take personal responsibility for travelling. If they think carriages are too busy, then they can wait for the next train service.

Phil Campbell, ScotRail head of customer operations, said: “We ask that everyone who travels on Scotland’s Railway wears a face covering, unless exempt. That includes in stations and on trains.

“Of course, some customers will be medically exempt, and disabilities and impairments are not always visible to others, so they can choose to carry a card to explain why they are not wearing a face covering.

“However, we encourage our customers to take personal responsibility about using a face covering, be respectful of their fellow passengers, and wear one to protect everyone.”

British Transport Police assistant chief constable Sean O’Callaghan, said: “As has been the case throughout the pandemic, officers will continue with the ‘4Es’ approach of engage, explain, encourage and, as a last resort, enforce any Coronavirus legal requirements.

“We are confident that those using the railway will continue to act responsibly and play their part in protecting each other by complying with the requirement to wear face coverings not only on trains but also in stations, unless they are exempt.

“Our officers will continue to be out across the rail network supporting rail colleagues, engaging with passengers, and encouraging people to wear face coverings.”

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