Powys County Councillor William Powell has welcomed the British Transport Police’s confirmation that they will enforce rules on mask-wearing on public transport for cross-border passengers.

The Welsh Liberal Democrat said he will be inquiring about the plans for bus users going over the border between England and Wales after welcoming this week’s confirmation by British Transport Police that they will enforce mask-wearing on

Welsh Liberal Democrat County Councillor William Powell has welcomed this week’s confirmation by Bitish Transport Police that, on entering Wales from England, they will enforce rules on mask-wearing on public transport.

Whilst ‘freedom day’ means that restrictions on mask-wearing and social distancing have been lifted in England, the rules will remain in place in Wales until at least Saturday, August 7, meaning passenger will still be exited to wear masks as they cross into Wales.

On Monday, the British Transport Police said: “From today face-covering legislation is removed in England, so we no longer have involvement in policing the wearing of face coverings.”

Cllr Powell, who serves as Welsh Board Member of transport watchdog, Transport Focus, said: “It is welcome clarification for transport users that, in Wales, BTP officers will continue to use the ‘4Es’ approach and, as a last resort, enforce any Coronavirus legal requirements. 

"It is especially welcome for vulnerable and anxious passengers, who have no alternative transport options for essential travel and who have a right to the protection afforded by Welsh Government rules."

Cllr Powell also explained the ‘4Es’ approach to engaging passengers who are breaking the social distancing rule.

He said: “‘4Es’ is a reference to an approach based on ‘Engage. Explain. Encourage. Enforce’. First the police will try to engage with someone, explain how we think they are breaking the rules, and encourage them to change their behaviour to reduce the risk to public safety and health.

“If people still do not follow the rules the police can then fine them. If someone continues to ignore the instructions, the police can arrest them if they think it is proportionate and necessary.”

Passengers leaving England to go to Wales or Scotland could be hit with a fine of up to £60 if they refuse to mask up, even if they are riding in an empty carriage.

British Transport Police warned last week: “As our jurisdiction covers three countries our officers police different laws every day, including throughout the pandemic, and are used to dealing with any challenges this presents.”

Cllr Powell, who also serves on the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Panel, said he is contacting Dyfed-Powys Police to establish the Force’s plans on how it will enforce social distancing on cross border bus services, including those originating from major transport hubs such as Hereford and Shrewsbury.

He said: “We must remember not only the situation of passengers, but also crucially bus drivers. Over the many months of the Covid-19 pandemic, they have continued to provide an excellent service, in very difficult circumstances and at considerable personal risk.

“It is vital now that they have back up in enforcing Welsh Government rules, in a potentially challenging and confusing situation."