Petition · Department for Transport
Mandate public transport operators prohibit balaclavas except religious/medical
Closed
130 signatures
What the petition asks
Require public transport operators (including TfL and National Rail) to amend Byelaws and Conditions of Carriage to prohibit the wearing of balaclavas and identity-concealing masks (excluding those worn for legitimate religious or medical reasons).
Crime on public transport is rising, often facilitated by offenders wearing balaclavas to evade CCTV and intimidate passengers.
Safety: Identifying offenders is currently impossible, rendering CCTV useless. Context: There is no reasonable need for thermal face coverings inside heated vehicles, distinguishing them from religious garments or medical masks. Enforcement: Police need clear powers to demand removal without a Section 60 order, making it a Condition of Carriage does this.
Safety: Identifying offenders is currently impossible, rendering CCTV useless. Context: There is no reasonable need for thermal face coverings inside heated vehicles, distinguishing them from religious garments or medical masks. Enforcement: Police need clear powers to demand removal without a Section 60 order, making it a Condition of Carriage does this.
Timeline
| 23 Jan 2026 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 23 Jul 2026 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
130
Status
Closed
Department
Department for Transport
Opened
23 Jan 2026
Closed
23 Jul 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 11 Aug 2026.