These are the changes to rules on mask wearing on public transport from today in and around Salisbury.

As England moves to Step 4 of the Government's roadmap, the country will be relaxing most Covid restrictions from so-called 'Freedom Day' today (July 19).

Face masks are no longer mandatory but advised in public places, and it is down to individual companies and businesses if they wish to enforce mask wearing as a rule.

Boris Johnson said the Government "expects" and "recommends" the public wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces, in places where you come into contact with people you don’t normally meet, such as on public transport.

This is what Salisbury's bus and train companies have to say.

Salisbury Reds

Salisbury Reds has said it "strongly recommends" customers wear face coverings on their buses.

All seats are back in use, but the company is asking passengers to socially distance where possible.

It is also encouraging customers to leave the windows open for airflow and use the hand sanitisers when entering and leaving their buses.

Stagecoach

Stagecoach also says that customers do not have to wear face masks as they are no longer a legal requirement in England.

However, their website says: "We are asking people to think of others and continue to wear their face masks, if they can, whilst travelling on our services."

South Western Railway

South Western says it has been working with other train companies to ensure a "consistent approach".

It has removed advice about social distancing and expects passengers to wear face coverings in crowded places.

Their guidance said: "In line with government guidance, we have removed advice about social distancing and expect passengers, out of respect for others, to wear face coverings in crowded places.

"With good ventilation systems on trains, extra cleaning and better information about quieter times, all our passengers can continue to travel with confidence."

Great Western Railway

Great Western is also asking customers to wear face coverings in crowded spaces "out of respect for others".

The company says it is ventilating trains to ensure fresh air and extensively cleaning trains and stations.

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