CONCERNS have been raised that rail passengers are flouting transport rules by not wearing masks onboard trains.

Reports have surfaced that a number of passengers on routes between Barrow and Manchester are choosing not to adhere to mask-wearing guidelines.

Currently, the law states it is mandatory to wear a mask on all forms of public transport and those flouting the rules could face a fine of up to £100.

A spokesman for British Transport Police said: “Our approach is to always begin by engaging with the public and explain the reasons why the protections are necessary and a lawful requirement.

“Since face coverings became mandatory on public transport our officers have spoken with thousands of passengers, encouraging them to wear face coverings whilst travelling.

“The overwhelming majority of people have listened, complied, and continued to play an important role in protecting other passengers and rail staff – we have seen compliance levels of around 97 per cent.

“In those cases where people have refused to comply with the requirement, and they don’t have a valid exemption or reasonable excuse, officers have taken action by refusing entry to trains, directing passengers to leave services, and as a last resort, issuing fixed penalty notices.”

Robert Talbot, chair of the Lakes Line User Group (LLUG), said there is more of an issue with overcrowding on trains rather than mask-wearing.

He said: "I popped up to Oxenholme station last weekend to see how the trains were loading, and the first one I saw which came in from the airport was rammed full which was very unhealthy.

"Everyone appeared to be wearing masks and behaving themselves but there was a real capacity issue.

"It was the overcrowding aspect which concerned me rather than not observing the mask rule.

"There was no chance of them observing even one metre distance.

"Keeping your distance and wearing masks is a very hard one to enforce. BTP are already very thin on the ground and conductors and train managers are basically not going through trains at the moment.

"It's a very difficult issue to work around."