France sets €135 fine for people caught not wearing masks on public transport

People who do not wear a face mask on public transport on Metro, trains, buses, taxis and even planes in France- after confinement lifts on May 11 will risk a fine of around €135.

THE announcement came after Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced on Tuesday that people using public transport post-lockdown would be required to wear a mask and maintain social distancing rules for at least three weeks.

Police and transport security staff will be required to enforce the “on-the-spot) fines, said the PM. People who want to take an UBER or go into a station without wearing a mask could be refused access, if they persist and try to enter, they will be fined.”

The proposed fine of €135 is the same amount applied to”ant-flouting” levies, thousands of which have been handed out in recent weeks on the streets of France.

Offenders will be given a “sharp telling off” before being issued with fine, repeat offenders will incur higher charges and possible criminal action.

He said: “We will help users in the wearing of obligatory masks on public transport. We will do everything we can to ensure that everyone has a mask by May 11. And, just as for land travel, we will also require people to wear masks on planes.”

The head of transport for France, Jean-Pierre Farandou, said that travellers absolutely should wear masks, and that people should be aware it is necessary to eradicate all traces of the virus. Masks are available to purchase all over France but the minister said they will be made available at stations, free of charge.

He went on to say: “We will put marks on the floor so customers can respect barrier measures. The counterpart of this reciprocal engagement is [the public] wearing a mask.”

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Tony Winterburn

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