Oral Answers to Questions

David Evennett Excerpts

Thursday 2nd July 2020 Commons Chamber

[Grant Shapps]

As the hon. Lady will know, the Government are very much in favour of people being able to take active transport, but we are not against the car. That is why we are investing £27 billion in roads, but I can tell her—I am sure she will welcome this—that we think the priority for walking and cycling is absolutely essential. I think she will be very pleased with what we have to say in forthcoming guidance on the subject.

[Sir David Evennett (Bexleyheath and Crayford) (Con)]

What assessment his Department has made of the level of compliance of public transport users with the requirement to wear a face covering.

[The Secretary of State for Transport (Grant Shapps)]

We are working closely with transport operators and the police to monitor compliance. Initial reports from operators suggest very high compliance.

[Sir David Evennett [V]]

Wearing a face covering is an easy way to help protect us all from coronavirus, especially in more confined spaces such as public transport. Will my right hon. Friend join me in urging my constituents in Bexleyheath and Crayford to make that small change which can help us to control the virus and save lives?

[Grant Shapps]

My right hon. Friend is right about the importance of face coverings. We have seen very high levels of compliance. According to the Office for National Statistics, on the week of 26 June, it looks like 86% compliance was in existence. We did say that in the early days we would ensure compliance was enforced gently, but I inform the House that TfL, Network Rail and British Transport police will be tightening up on that. I have just signed the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings on Public Transport) (England) Regulations 2020, which under regulation 8 give powers to TfL to increase enforcement.