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Face masks available for passengers on public transport in West Midlands for first weeks

Face masks will be available for West Midlands public transport passengers for the first weeks of it becoming mandatory.

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Commuters wearing masks at Wolverhampton train station, as the rule becomes compulsory

Face coverings were made mandatory on public transport in England from June 15.

Children under the age of 11, operator staff, transport officials, police officers and other emergency service workers while on duty also do not have to comply.

Or people who cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering without severe distress or because of a physical or mental illness or impairment or disability have a reasonable excuse – meaning they are exempt from the rules.

Deborah Cadman, chief executive of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), said face masks are being made available for the first couple of weeks, and compliance is being monitored.

She told a WMCA briefing: "The focus really is on educating the public and supporting the public.

"As Transport for West Midlands we are making face masks available for the first couple of weeks of this to ensure that people have the right face coverings, or they have access to face coverings.

"Compliance is being closely monitored as you would expect."