Mayors demand face masks remain compulsory on public transport after July 19

14 July 2021, 19:12 | Updated: 15 July 2021, 00:47

Regional mayors have called for masks to remain mandatory on public transport
Regional mayors have called for masks to remain mandatory on public transport. Picture: Alamy

By Will Taylor

Passengers will still need to wear masks on public transport and stations in parts of England after July 19 following interventions from regional mayors.

Six local leaders have demanded the Government keep face masks compulsory on public transport as Sadiq Khan said Londoners will still need to use them - though their powers could result in a hodgepodge of face mask rules.

There will no longer be a legal requirement to wear masks after July 19's 'Freedom Day' unlocking in England but Boris Johnson has said they should be worn in some situations.

Mr Khan, the mayor of London, has said he will make mask-wearing a condition of carriage on Transport for London services after Monday.

Read more: People 'expected to wear masks' indoors in England after 19 July - minister

Read more: Sadiq Khan: Vast majority of Londoners support compulsory face masks on transport

But Labour mayors of West Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, North of Tyne, West of England and Sheffield City Region said their abilities to enforce mask-wearing is limited.

Greater Manchester's mayor Andy Burnham pointed out he could mandate them on the Metrolink tram service but not on buses.

He said he feared for the clinically most vulnerable, who he worried may be forced off public transport altogether if they face having to travel with people who don't wear masks in enclosed spaces.

Sadiq Khan quizzed over enforcement of mask policy by bus driver

"We remain of the view that the best solution is for the Government to maintain a requirement of face coverings on all modes of public transport and we call on them, even at this stage, to return to that position," he said on Wednesday.

"Unlike the mayor of London, we do not have the same powers over buses and trams, but we believe the requirement on our trams will help increase the use of face coverings on other transport modes."

He added that people need to "think in terms of collective safety rather than individual freedom or personal responsibility".

Read more: Ben Kentish challenges PM on plan to scrap mandatory face masks

Read more: Face masks: Everything you need to know about new rules from July 19

Earlier, Tracy Brabin, mayor of West Yorkshire, said face masks will still need to be worn in bus stations operated by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

But her powers do not allow her to extend that to buses and trains.

"With 71% of the public supportive of the continued use of face coverings, I am today mandating the use of face coverings across bus stations in West Yorkshire," she said.

"Whilst I would like to go further to include buses and trains, we are doing what is in our power.

Boris Johnson admits a face mask in confined spaces is 'common sense'

"I have been consistently clear with Government, they have the power to mandate face masks across all transport networks and I would support them to make that decision as restrictions lift."

The bus station mandate will also be implemented in South Yorkshire's combined authority-operated stations, where mayor Dan Jarvis said: "A national mandate would without a doubt be more effective and create less confusion for passengers and fewer challenges for staff."

Transport North East said it will require face coverings for commuters on the Metro system while West of England mayor Dan Norris said he did not have the powers to force mask-wearing on public transport.

But he asked Boris Johnson to keep them compulsory.

Conservative West Midlands mayor Andy Street said he could not implement a mandate for face coverings and said any change in the law would have to come from the Government.

He said that Transport for West Midlands expected passengers to keep wearing masks.

Boris Johnson said previously that "guidance will suggest where you might choose (to wear masks), especially when cases are rising and where you come into contact with people you don't normally meet in enclosed spaces, such as of course, crowded public transport".

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Kylie Minogue has cancelled a string of upcoming shows.

Kylie Minogue cancels string of upcoming shows as pop icon shares health update

Emma Webber, the mother of Barnaby Webber (left) and Dr Sanjoy Kumar, the father of Grace O'Malley Kumar during a memorial walk to lay flowers in Nottingham, to mark the second anniversary of their murders.

'Cover-ups' and 'mistruths' surrounding care of Nottingham attack killer, Barnaby Webber's mother claims

David Beckham has been awarded a knighthood in the King's Birthday Honours.

David Beckham receives knighthood as Strictly hosts and Luke Littler made MBEs in King's Birthday Honours

A protest against proposals for a new Chinese embassy will take place from 2pm at Royal Mint Court, near the capital’s financial district, while pro-Palestinian demonstrators are expected to gather in Parliament Square at the same time.

Demonstrators set to gather for multiple protests against Chinese Embassy and Gaza conflict in London on Saturday

he Prime Minister has said he has “grave concerns” about Iran’s nuclear programme as he backed Israel ’s right to self defence.

Keir Starmer voices 'grave concerns' over Iran’s nuclear programme in call with Donald Trump

Rapper O hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, will be represented by a team that includes Gareth Peirce, solicitor for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange during his fight against US extradition, and Rosalind Comyn.

'We are ready for this fight': Kneecap’s legal team for court battle to include Julian Assange lawyer

Israeli Iron Dome air defense system fires to intercept missiles over Tel Aviv, Israel, Friday, June 13, 2025.

Iranian missiles hospitalise scores of Israelis as Tel Aviv bombarded by waves of retaliatory strikes

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, left, and Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, visit to the University College London Hospital (UCLH).

NHS to slash waiting lists by sending patients straight to GPs for treatment

Exclusive
Lottie Tomlinson has shared her experience of grief with LBC in hopes to encourage others to open up and seek support.

‘My grief has been a long journey of healing’ - Louis Tomlinson’s sister shares heartbreaking experience with LBC

Former GB News presenter Laurence Fox at Woolwich Crown Court in London.

Laurence Fox faces trial in 2026 accused of encouraging Ulez camera destruction

The Prime Minister has said he has “grave concerns” about Iran’s nuclear programme as he backed Israel ’s right to self defence

Starmer urges restraint as Israel strikes Iran again in escalating Middle East crisis

CCTV footage shows the man sitting on the chair, which immediately bends back into the wall.

Tourist damages crystal-covered 'Van Gogh' chair in Verona museum after climbing on it for photo

Maurizio Cattelan: “America” a solid gold toilet installed on the fourth floor of the Guggenheim museum in New York City. United States of America.

Two men who stole £4.75 million gold toilet from house where Churchill was born jailed for more than six years

These funds were used to purchase three Tesla cars, a Mini Cooper and a Nissan Qashqai, Teesside crown court heard

Army sergeant jailed after stealing £336,000 of MoD funds to buy Teslas, hair transplant and 'adult services'

Handout photo issued by Counter Terrorism Policing Wales of Alexander Dighton from Llantrisant

Man who attacked officers with Molotov cocktails and a knife jailed for life

.

British tourist missing in Brazil after vanishing from Airbnb