Unite, the UK’s leading union, which represents tens of thousands
of bus drivers, is calling on the government to ensure that the
current rules on mask wearing and reduced capacity on public
transport are properly enforced and that the measures continue
beyond July 19 when the UK’s remaining restrictions are set to end.
Unite has made its case directly to the government that with
Covid-19 rates increasing it is essential that the existing rules
are properly enforced. Bus drivers from...Request free trial
Unite, the UK’s leading union, which represents tens of
thousands of bus drivers, is calling on the government to ensure
that the current rules on mask wearing and reduced capacity on
public transport are properly enforced and that the measures
continue beyond July 19 when the UK’s remaining restrictions are
set to end.
Unite has made its case directly to the government that with
Covid-19 rates increasing it is essential that the existing rules
are properly enforced. Bus drivers from across the UK are reporting
increasing non-compliance with the existing rules. Ensuring masks
are properly worn and capacity limits are adhered to is essential
to protect passengers and drivers alike.
Since the rules on mask wearing and reduced capacity for
buses, as well as the ban on standing, were introduced, Unite has
made it clear that it is not the responsibility of bus drivers to
enforce the rules. The drivers’ responsibility is to drive the bus
safely in what are difficult circumstances.
Instead the bus companies working alongside the police should
be providing enforcement officers to ensure that the rules are
compiled with.
Tragically, since the beginning of the pandemic, bus drivers
have had a very high fatality rate after being exposed to
Covid-19.
As well as ensuring that the current rules are enforced,
Unite is also calling on the government to ensure that mask wearing
and reduced capacity rules continue after other restrictions are
relaxed on July 19.
Unite nation officer for passenger transport Bobby Morton
said; “The increasing Covid-19 infection rates
are putting passengers and bus drivers at renewed
risk.
“Unless there is clear enforcement of the existing
rules on mask wearing and social distancing on public transport,
drivers and passengers will be needlessly
infected.
“Sadly, anecdotal evidence is showing that some members
of the public are becoming increasingly lax with following the
rules.
“It is the absolute responsibility of the bus
companies, working alongside the police and other enforcement
bodies, to ensure that the rules are followed.
“Equally with the danger of Covid infection set to
continue for some time, the rules on mask wearing and rules on
reduced capacity need to continue well beyond the current four-week
extension.
