By Isle of Wight Observer
Following the Government announcement delivered by the Transport Secretary yesterday, Hovertravel passengers will be required to wear face coverings from Monday 15 June.
The changes in the law, through legislation such as the National Rail Conditions of Travel and Public Service Vehicle Regulations, require public transport operators to refuse travel for those who fail to wear a face covering.
Passengers using Hovertravel will be required by law to wear their face coverings for their entire journey including:
- when entering and whilst in Hovertravel’s terminals at Southsea and Ryde,
- during boarding and disembarking the hovercraft,
- whilst on the hovercraft for the entire journey,
- on the hoverpads at Ryde and Southsea
Hovertravel passengers who do not wear face coverings will be refused travel. Exemptions to the rule include young children, disabled people and those with breathing difficulties.
The Government has introduced this new legal requirement to coincide with their next stage of carefully easing restrictions and to help reduce the risk of transmission on public transport when social distancing is not always possible.
Hovertravel will be providing increased signage in its terminals and updating its website with clear guidance over the next week. Hovertravel also asks that all customers bring their own face coverings ready to be worn during their journey so they comply fully with these mandatory Government instructions.
