Question 9 – 18 Jun 2020: Face masks: proving exemption

[whole diary]

[Red Squirrel]

We understand the legal requirement for face masks, and appreciate that certain groups will not be required to wear them for medical reasons.  Will GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) be providing the equivalent of "Baby on Board" badges to quickly validate these passenger's right to travel without the need for the coverings, especially considering the "if in doubt, report" ethos of elements of our society at the moment.

[Samyutha Bala]

Our colleagues and BTP^▸ (British Transport Police) are requested to engage with our customers who are not wearing coverings and have been fully briefed that there are some people who are exempt from the mandatory policy due to health reasons.


We’ve been working with representative groups (such as The National Deaf Children's Society and Action on Hearing Loss, amongst others) as well as the rail industry for a sensible solution which will provide confidence and reassurance to those who are exempt from wearing a face covering. This could take the form of a card which states the bearer is exempt from wearing a face covering, as an example.


Once we work out the details, we will announce it on our website, social media and other communication channels. 

[Electric train]

I suspect 99% of passengers will willing comply with the regulation.  Passengers with exemptions will I am sure freely give any information asked of them, its the people playing the game who will give themselves away.