A WAVE of concerned residents have been questioning why bus users in Reading haven't been wearing face coverings, which are now mandatory on public transport.

Marco Zuppone is among those who tweeted Reading Buses, asking: "Wasn't it mandatory to wear the face mask onboard the bus?

"It seems that some passengers of the 17 weren't aware of this advice".

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The company responded that not all passengers can wear face masks, for 'health reasons'.

Andrew Dimarco asked: "Can you let me know why around 10-20 per cent of your current passengers are being let on busses without face masks?

"Isn’t this the law currently? Why aren’t drivers enforcing the rule and not allowing them to travel?"

Gary on Twitter said: "I saw nine out of 11 of your driver's today not wearing face masks.

"It is a legal requirement for them also. Explain."

Responding to criticisms, Reading Buses said they want customers to be clear on the face coverings legislation.

The company say that the drivers are following the new legislation and the government’s own ‘engage, explain, encourage’ approach.

Reading Buses marketing and communications manager Jake Osman said: “The government guidance says that they expect a high proportion of the public to comply and asks operators to engage with customers, explain the rules and then encourage them to wear a face covering which is now mandatory.

“All customers should expect to be asked by our drivers about wearing a face covering when they get on the bus if they are not actually wearing one, and if necessary to be reminded that it is now the law.

“There are several reasonable exceptions that the government have confirmed for young children and those with disabilities - all of which are published on our website.

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"Forgetting, or lack of awareness, is not one of them!

"We would like to emphasise, however, that our drivers are not there to police the law, they are there to help our customers and drive the bus. The new legislation makes it clear that although operators do have the power to deny travel, it is at their discretion and not their sole responsibility.

“The police themselves may opt to issue fines or warnings should they see someone breaking the law.

“With regard to drivers themselves, they do not need to wear a face covering.

“This is mainly due to the fact that our buses have screens that enclose the driver and keep them separated from customers – and there are various additional risks associated with wearing them for long spells of driving.

“We are, however, encouraging our drivers to wear coverings to help set an example to customers and require them to be worn whilst getting on and off the bus or when helping customers outside of the cab. But we wish to reiterate that it is not a requirement by law for them to do so.

"We hope that most of the public are now aware of the fact that they need to wear a face covering when on the bus, unless they fall into the exempt groups.

"Hopefully, all the effort that has gone into notices on buses, social media and our website has helped to further get the government’s message out that customers must wear a face covering on the bus."