The second lockdown in England ends tomorrow. Andy Byford, London’s Transport Commissioner, said that the minority of people who refuse to wear a face covering and who aren’t exempt, risk being issued a fine from the police or Transport for London (TfL) own enforcement officers.
London has been placed in Tier 2 of new Covid restrictions. Byford said: ‘Londoners will be keen to enjoy London’s shops, businesses and hospitality venues in the run up to Christmas. That’s good for London, and we are here to get you where you need to go, but it’s incredibly important that everyone follows the Government guidance on how to keep everyone safe and that customers continue to take the simple steps of good hand hygiene, social distancing wherever possible and wearing a face covering throughout journeys unless exempt.
‘Parts of London may be busier, particularly around the popular shopping and hospitality destinations, so we are asking everyone to plan ahead and travel during the quiet times so that social distancing, and keeping safe, is easier for everyone. That way we can all play our part in keeping the virus at bay and helping London return to normality.”
Across London, TfL has been running a full planned service for several months so there is space for all those needing to travel. Tube (pictured: Docklands Light Railway) and rail services through central London run from around 5am to after midnight daily, and buses operate around the clock.
The Met Police yesterday began a ‘Winter Nights‘ anti-robbery and knife crime campaign to run until January 3; and a “look up, look out” social media campaign. Police are asking people to be more aware of their surroundings when outside, and keep valuables that robbers and thieves target – watches, mobile phones and devices, jewellery – out of sight.
Also police have begun their annual Christmas roads policing operation. National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) lead for Roads Operations, Commander Kyle Gordon said: “I understand that this year has been incredibly difficult for everyone, and we all want to enjoy the festive season with loved ones; possibly even more this year than in others. It is certainly not our intention to stop anyone from celebrating during the Christmas period, but it remains a reality that drink or drug driving can, and does, kill.
“Tragically, the Christmas period is the time of the year when motorists seem to accept the risk of drinking and driving on our roads. Disappointingly, it is also the time of year when family and friends seem to tolerate their loved ones taking this risk, when they wouldn’t dream of condoning this type of behaviour at other times of the year.
“Drivers must be aware of the risks of getting behind the wheel, not just on an evening when they have been drinking, but also the morning after. Sleeping it off or having a large cup of coffee won’t clear the body of alcohol or dull its effects. The only thing that can sober you up is time, and it’s safest not to drink at all if you are driving early the next day.
“My advice is the same as always; do not drink or drug drive, and do not let anyone you know do so either. The chances of being caught, put in a police cell and losing your driving licence and your job, is high. More importantly, the risk of destroying a life and causing death or serious injury is also incredibly high.”
