A shocked train traveller took these images on a York train this lunchtime (Friday).
It shows a packed carriage, with many football fans travelling to London Kings Cross for the big Euro 2020 game between England and Scotland.
The woman, who was in the same carriage, said some of the passengers were
- ignoring social distancing
- not wearing masks
- and drinking alcohol, in spite of a ban on all LNER trains today.
She told YorkMix: “LNER say they are running dry trains – but as the video clearly shows, passengers were drinking and singing in a crowded carriage with no face masks on.
“And this as Covid cases are on the increase.”
She said no action was taken by police or train staff.
We contacted LNER for a comment, who referred us to the British Transport Police. A BTP spokesperson said, as they are not law, social distancing and alcohol enforcement are the responsibility of the train operator – LNER.
The spokesperson said: “We’ll have a highly visible presence of officers on patrol at stations and on trains across the network this weekend. Our approach is to always begin by engaging with the public and explain the reasons why face coverings are necessary and a lawful requirement.
“As has always been the case, when people refuse to engage and comply with the requirement, and they don’t have a valid exemption or reasonable excuse, officers will take action by refusing entry to trains, directing passengers to leave services, and when necessary issue fixed penalty notices.”
