Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to ensure that disabled people that are legitimately not wearing a face covering on public transport are identifiable to (a) the public and (b) transport staff.

Government’s updated Safer Transport guidance for operators and for passengers highlights that specific exemptions apply, including for health, equality or age reasons. We are ensuring that operators have appropriate communications and staff briefing in place so that both staff and passengers are aware of the exemptions. Train operating companies have communicated the exemptions to their customers and staff, as have other operators. If prompted by staff, passengers should explain that they are exempt from the regulation. We know some operators have a badge or lanyard scheme which assists with this.