Secondary school and college students could face losing access to buses if they failed to wear a face covering, Wiltshire Council says.
Anybody over the age of eleven must a face covering on dedicated school buses from 7 December, following a change in coronavirus regulations. Before, it was only a legal requirement to wear a face covering on public transport not privately hired buses.
The council will send out medical exemption passes for students who are unable to wear a covering. Parents can request a card directly from the school or college. These passes can then be presented to the driver in conjunction with the student’s usual bus pass.
If a student is discovered not wearing a covering by the school or transport operator, and there is no record of them being exempt from using one, after the third incident they will be refused travel for a two-week period.
Cllr Bridget Wayman, Cabinet Member for Highways said: “We know a large number of our students have been wearing face coverings on our school transport and I want to thank them for their responsible attitude.
“We have written to all our students using dedicated school buses and we want to thank them and their parents in advance for taking this new direction on board.
“We are working with our schools and they will be able to issue medically exempt passes to those families who need it. I am sure for both passengers and drivers this new direction is welcomed to help keep everyone safe.”
