Nine out of ten Northampton's train passengers are "doing the right thing" over face coverings

Train bosses revealed that 90 per cent of Northampton's rail passengers are coming equipped with face masks following the introduction of new safety rules.

Government guidelines made face coverings compulsory from last Monday with warning passengers could be fined or refused travel if they did not comply.

London Northwestern Railway armed its staff with face masks at Northampton but found that nine out of ten passengers brought their own.

Customer experience director Lawrence Bowman said: “Less than half of passengers were wearing face coverings before this rule change.

"To double that figure is a real testament to our customers’ willingness to do the right thing.

“We are very grateful to our passengers who still need to travel by train for their co-operation in following the new safety rules.

“We know this new way of travelling will take some getting used to, which is why our focus is on informing, educating and encouraging passengers to follow the rules.”

Advice on how to make a face covering and instructions for using one are available on the government website here. Some passengers – such as those with breathing difficulties or aged under 11 – are exempt from the regulations.

London Northwestern, which runs services between London Euston, Birmingham and the North West via Northampton is still advising travellers to use the trains as a last resort keep space free for people making the most essential journeys.

Trains are running less frequently than normal and social distancing requirements is reducing the number of seats available by around 75 per cent.

Lockdown restrictions have been eased lately allowing families to meet up for the first time in months. But London Northwestern is urging customers to walk, cycle or drive if they are heading to a reunion.

Mr Bowman added: “We know many of our customers have been looking forward to catching up with family and friends they have not seen in a long time.

“With social distancing advice still in place, we are urging customers to avoid the train for all but the most essential journeys where no other means of travel is available.

“If you choose to take the train for a non-essential journey you risk taking the space of a front-line worker who needs it more.”