By Anna Whittaker, Local Democracy Reporter
A Nottinghamshire councillor has encouraged people to get back on public transport as pandemic restrictions ease further – but acknowledged the anxieties some may have about returning to the county’s buses, trams and trains.
Councillor Neil Clarke, who holds the Transport and Environment portfolio at Nottinghamshire County Council, said he would ‘love’ to see people returning to public transport.
And Nottingham City Council Leader David Mellen said he wanted people to feel confident in using the city’s public transport, but that he would be encouraging people to carry on using face coverings on buses and trams even if the legal requirement to wear them was lifted.
It comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson said a final decision on Step 4 of England’s lockdown easing would be made on July 12 – but said the country was moving towards easing many restrictions including the recommendation to work from home if possible, and legal requirements on face mask wearing.
Cllr Clarke said: “The rates are increasing and that will add to people wanting to be cautious. That is very much the balancing act we have in organising bus routes.
“We do have a lot of rural bus routes and it’s important that we can still supply the service to those who are isolated or don’t have a car.
“I would love people to get back on public transport and reduce car use by using the buses, trams and trains.
“It is a double-edged sword and I completely understand some people’s anxiety about having that close proximity.”
At a press conference on July 5, the Prime Minister said: “We will end the one metre-plus rule on social distancing, and the legal obligation to wear a face covering, although guidance will suggest where you might choose to do so, especially when cases are rising, and where you come into contact with people you don’t normally meet in enclosed places, such as obviously crowded public transport.
“It remains people’s personal choice as to how they feel most comfortable. As long as people can make their own choices and perhaps use a mask if they are in a crowded place.”
Councillor David Mellen, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “I am a little bit surprised that when cases are going up, that the government is proposing that all restrictions are taken away.
“I am more concerned about the comments about masks in particular and social distancing, which didn’t need to be this free-for-all.
“I do think people will feel uncomfortable if they are sitting next to someone who hasn’t got a mask on. In Nottingham our public transport system is second to none, we want people to use it and feel confident.
“I would encourage people using the bus or the tram to continue to use their face masks for the duration of the journey.
“I would ask the people of Nottingham to take that personal responsibility and keep their mask handy for when it might be appropriate to use them.”
