Question reference: S6W-01865
- Asked by: Neil Bibby, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 26 July 2021
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Current status: Answered by Graeme Dey on 18 August 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government who is responsible for the enforcement of (a) physical distancing, (b) the wearing of face coverings and (c) other COVID-19 safety regulations on (i) rail services, (ii) buses and (iii) ferries.
Answer
The responsibility for the enforcement of Covid-19 regulations on public transport rests with Police Scotland and, in the case of the railway network, British Transport Police. Police officers have enforcement powers to issue a fixed penalty notice to anyone 18 or over if there is reason to believe an offence has been committed under the regulations. These powers are used as a last resort where people are defying very clear and sensible advice, which is designed to protect them from harm.
In addition to regulations, Transport Scotland has published guidance for transport operators to enable them to keep their staff and passengers safe during the pandemic. This guidance reinforces the importance of signage, announcements and messaging to remind passengers of Covid-19 requirements whilst using public transport.