FOI/202100224570 · FOI/EIR · partially withheld
Covid 19 social distancing on LNER trains: EIR release
Information requested
ln relation to statements made on social media by the railway company LNER, I request copies of any correspondence wth LNER in relation to their intention to operate under English guidance in relation to social distancing on their trains from today, 19th July 2021, and a copy of any agreement made wth them concerning the same.
Response
All rail operators within Scotland, including LNER, are required to follow Scottish Government guidance with regards to the wearing of face coverings and physical distancing onboard services.
Some incorrect guidance was provided by LNER on 16 July. After representation from Transport Scotland, an apology was made and the public notification changed.
On 20 July LNER advised that it was using its reservation system to prevent overcrowding and its website to continue to inform prospective passengers of its least busy and busier services, to enable people to plan ahead and travel in confidence. The measures announced are in line with Scottish Government guidance for rail operators.
Please find below a table which summarises the documents within the scope of your request that Transport Scotland holds. The documents themselves are located in Annex A.
A small amount of information has been redacted from these documents under EIR exemption 11(2) - the personal data of a third party.
Transport Scotland Reference Date Details Document 1 16th July @ 1808 hours Correction required by Transport Scotland sent to LNER Document 2 16th July @ 1841 hours Corrected Inside Track from LNER Document 3 16th July @ 1856 hours Response from LNER to TS Director Document 4 16th July @ 1907 hours Response from TS Rail Director to LNER Document 5 21st July @ 1101 hours Email with LNER approach. PDF included. Document 6 21st July @ 1452 hours Email from TS to LNER
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Detected exemption language
A small amount of information has been redacted from these documents under EIR exemption 11(2) - the personal data of a third party.