THE wearing of masks on public trains will no longer be enforced by ScotRail staff, although their use is still mandatory in Scotland.

The transport firm’s operations director told the BBC on Wednesday that the decision had been taken in order to prevent staff from being put in a “very difficult position”.

Speaking on Good Morning Scotland, ScotRail’s David Simpson suggested that this was partly down to people who had consumed too much alcohol causing issues.

He said: “We're not expecting our staff to enforce [mask wearing].

“Our staff can often be in a very difficult position in that respect, particularly on evening services where customers are perhaps more refreshed than usual.

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"What we don't want to do is put staff into difficult, challenging, potentially upsetting environments."

Simpson said that CCTV shows there has been “very high” compliance with the regulations around facemasks.

However, he said that anyone who feels anxious around people not wearing masks should contact the British Transport Police or move to a different part of the train.

ScotRail will also be working with the transport police in “trouble spots”, he added.

The National:

Simpson went on: "We've put a tremendous amount of effort into enhanced cleaning on trains and in stations.

"We think face coverings give an extra level of reassurance about using public transport and we will be making sure timetable matches demand to avoid overcrowding."

Transport Scotland's website says passengers "must wear a face covering when using public transport" in order to prevent transmission of the coronavirus.

Speaking in July, the First Minister said the "mandatory" wearing of face coverings will remain in place, "not just now but in all likelihood for some time to come".

ScotRail tweeted on Wednesday afternoon, seemingly in response to the comments from their operations director, to remind passengers that "nothing's changed".

The company's official account stressed that masks are "still mandatory".

It went on: "Wear one on our trains and at stations unless exempt, making sure it covers your nose and mouth. Do not remove it when you sit down. Wear one. Protect everyone."

The news comes after LNER trains (London North Eastern Railway), which is owned by the Department of Transport, caused a row north of the Border by saying they planned to follow English mask rules even when operating in Scotland.

Transport Secretary Michael Matheson described the LNER decision as “unacceptable” and asked Transport Scotland officials to address the point.

Commenting on the ScotRail decision not to ask their staff to enforce mask-wearing, Transport Scotland said the onus was not on them to do so.

A spokesperson said: “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.

“We have published guidance for transport operators to enable them to keep their staff and passengers safe during the pandemic. This reinforces the importance of signage, announcements and messaging to remind passengers of Covid-19 requirements whilst using public transport.

“Transport Scotland and operators continue to reinforce messaging on the continuing legal requirement to wear face coverings in indoor public places including public transport.”