I would like to know how many people have been refused entry on 144 bus by drivers or Enforcement Officers for not wearing a mask or face covering and no evidence of exemption? How many passengers on 144 have been fined £100 by Enforcement Officers for not wearing a mask or face covering and have no evidence of exemption?

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Our ref: FOI-1152-2021/GH 

 Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 6 September 2020 asking for information about face coverings on bus route 144. 

The vast majority of people on our network are protecting others by properly wearing a face covering, unless they are exempt. We’re seeing more than 90 per cent compliance at the busiest times of the day. 

However, we are taking firm action against the selfish minority who are not thinking about their fellow passengers by refusing to wear a face covering. It’s inconsiderate, unacceptable and it’s illegal. We’ve issued hundreds of fines and the ability to issue stronger penalties will persuade those more persistent offenders to do the right thing. 

Your request has been considered under the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold some of the information you require. 

 When passengers are refused entry onto a bus service, this is recorded through a general feedback form, which records through hourly slots, and can include multiple routes within the same feedback from. Therefore this information is not recorded in a way where it would be possible to separate this out to a specific route as you have requested.  

 We can advise however that no Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) have been issued on route 144. 

 The issue of Fixed Penalty Notices is a last resort, and engagement is always the first step, with the vast majority of passengers complying by retrieving a face covering from their bag or pocket, or purchasing one from a nearby store.  

 If this is not the information you are looking for please do not hesitate to contact me. 

 If you are considering submitting a further FOI request please think carefully about whether the request is essential at this current time, as answering FOI requests will require the use of limited resources and the attention of staff who could be supporting other essential activity. Where requests are made, please note that our response time may be impacted by the current situation.  

 If you are not satisfied with this response please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal. 

 Yours sincerely 

 Graham Hurt 

 FOI Case Officer 

FOI Case Management Team 

General Counsel 

Transport for London

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