Mayor of London Sadiq Khan: Fines for mask refusers on Tube will ‘greatly’ help with compliance

The decision comes following the emergence of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 in the UK, with at least three positive cases identified in England and six in Scotland.

While masks have remained compulsory on public transport in London since the Government lifted all Covid restrictions in July, TfL saw a fall in compliance since the rule was no longer legally enforceable.

Sadiq Khan has said that “we have been operating with one hand tied behind our back” without the ability to fine those that flout mask wearing rules, but that he “wholeheartedly welcomes” the Government’s decision to once again make masks compulsory.

“With the Omicron variant of Covid-19 now present in the UK, I urge Londoners to remain vigilant. We know that by wearing face coverings in enclosed or crowded spaces, washing our hands regularly, ensuring indoor spaces are properly ventilated, and maintaining a social distance wherever possible, viruses find it much harder to spread.”