FOI request detail

How many people using TFL have been fined for non-compliance in mask wearing?

Request ID: FOI-1263-2122
Date published: 28 September 2021

You asked

On the 14th July 2021, Mayor Khan announced that customers using all forms of TLF transport would be required to wear masks when travelling unless exempt. This came into effect on 19th July 2021 when existing legal requirements finished. How many people, in the period 19th July 2021 to 13th September 2021, have been fined for not wearing a mask whilst travelling on TFL? How many people, in the period 19th July 2021 to 13th September 2021, have been asked to provide evidence of face covering exemption cards when questioned over non-compliance in mask wearing? It is in the public interest to understand whether TFL is actually policing its mask wearing policy for the safety of TFL customers.

We answered

Our ref: FOI-1263-2122/GH
 
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 15 September 2021 asking for information about face coverings on TfL services.
 
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.
 
How many people, in the period 19th July 2021 to 13th September 2021, have been fined for not wearing a mask whilst travelling on TFL?
When the Government revoked the legislation making the wearing of face coverings mandatory on public transport on 19 July 2021, TfL lost the power to issue fines. The requirement to wear a face covering is now a condition of carriage. Customers cannot be fined or prosecuted for failing to comply with TfL’s conditions of carriage. The Mayor has asked the Government to reintroduce the relevant national face covering regulations to mandate the wearing of face coverings on public transport, with the penalty for non-compliance being prosecution.
 
How many people, in the period 19th July 2021 to 13th September 2021, have been asked to provide evidence of face covering exemption cards when questioned over non-compliance in mask wearing?
This information is not recorded. Some customers and staff are exempt from wearing a face covering for medical and other reasons, which may not be immediately obvious to others. Though some customers may choose to carry a card or wear a badge to show they are exempt, it is not compulsory to carry any proof of exemption.


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