OFFICERS have been patrolling on buses following a spate of abuse from residents refusing to wear face masks.

Bracknell PCSO's carried out a joint operation with Courtney Buses on Saturday, July 19 to give advice about wearing face coverings to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

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Officers said they carried out the patrols following a number of reports of abuse aimed at bus drivers from commuters refusing to wear face masks.

Police hopped onto the buses in Bracknell and Reading Buses to make sure 'all customers were adhering to the rules on face coverings on public transport'.

PC Carla May who organised the operation, said "We aim to carry out these ad-hoc operations occasionally to provide reassurance to the public and local transport operators"

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On Monday, June 15, face masks were made mandatory for those travelling by public transport in England.

Under the new rules, operators will be able to prevent passengers who refuse to follow the rules from travelling and police will be able to issue fines of £100.