Fears raised over number of bus passengers on Stagecoach Highlands services in Ross-shire who are ignoring Scottish Government rules to wear face coverings during Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
SERIOUS concerns have been raised about the lack of face masks being worn on service buses in Ross-shire.
Now bus operator Stagecoach Highlands is appealing to customer to ‘act responsibly’ and wear a covering – or ‘face’ the long arm of the law.
One pensioner who has to travel on the bus only when absolutely necessary has said the recklessness of those not wearing masks could "kill him".
The man from Strathpeffer, who did not want to be named, said: “I am a 70 year old pensioner with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and only leave home when essentially required to do so, “ he explained.
“I believe that it is now compulsory to wear face masks on public transport. Last week, on the bus to Dingwall mainly youngsters, people aged from their teens to late twenties, only four wore face masks.
“On the return journey, out of seven people, I was the only one wearing a face mask.
“Do these idiots realise they could kill me? Does Stagecoach enforce their own rules and government rules?
He continued: “I am sure that I am not the only person fed up with Stagecoach’s cavalier attitude to the public, especially when we pay their wages.”
Councillor Margaret Paterson, Dingwall and Seaforth, encouraged people to wear masks when out and about. She said: "I went out for the first time in four months last week and I wore a mask.
"I know it can be uncomfortable, and it is strange to wear. But you are giving yourself and other people a little more protection, and that is just what we need to do to slow down the spread of the virus."
A spokeswoman for Stagecoach Highlands said: "In line with Scottish Government advice, it is now mandatory to wear face coverings on public transport in Scotland.
"We are pleased that the overwhelming majority of our customers have so far been complaint with this advice. Exemptions do apply to our drivers and for those who are not able to wear a face covering for a specific medical reason. Children under five are also exempt.
"We are appealing to customers to act responsibly and follow the government’s new regulations on mandatory face coverings for the safety of themselves, our employees and other customers. The responsibility of enforcement of this on any public transport in Scotland is a matter for Police Scotland."
Click here to read more Ross-shire news.
