Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he is taking steps to extend Government guidance on face coverings to include privately run school transport.

The regulations relating to the use of face coverings on public transport do not apply to school transport services. Government guidance already strongly recommends face coverings in any enclosed spaces where it is difficult to maintain social distancing, subject to exemptions. The Department for Education’s guidance on school re-openings further recommends that local authorities advise children and young people aged 11 and over to wear a face covering when travelling on dedicated transport from the autumn term, whether on the public network or procured by the local authority, schools or parent groups.