Tired commuter risks £100 fine as he wears face mask over his eyes for Tube nap

A TIRED commuter risked a £100 fine as he wore a face mask over his eyes for a nap on the Tube today.

Commuters were left baffled after spotting the passenger using the mask to doze off on the Central Line during rush-hour in central London this morning.

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The commuter was caught using his face mask to doze offCredit: Twitter / stim1986

Passengers now face on-the-spot fines of up to £100 for not wearing a face maskCredit: Jamie Lorriman

Passengers now face on-the-spot fines of up to £100 for not wearing a covering on public transport in a bid to slow the spread of coronavirus as the country headed out to kickstart the economy.

While normal commuter routine has been disrupted by the rules and social distancing measures, one Tube passenger used his journey to catch up on sleep.

Is this how you wear a face mask? Asking for a friend…

Commuter Tim Steer’s tweet to Transport for London

Instead of following the standard procedure of having the mask cover his mouth and nose, the covering was scrunched up around his eyes as he dozed off in his seat.

Around his carriage are signs urging passengers to maintain a two-metre distance where possible while the other passengers all appear to be in a mask.

The sleepy passenger was captured on London’s Central Line this morning by fellow commuter Tim Steer, who tweeted Transport for London (TfL) to ask: “Is this how you wear a face mask? Asking for a friend…”

Signs were put up and projected around Tube stations reminding passengers to wear a face coveringCredit: Jamie Lorriman

Face coverings are compulsory on public transport including trains, buses, trams, ferries and aircraftCredit: Jamie Lorriman

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced that from June 15 face coverings will be compulsory on public transport including trains, buses, trams, ferries and aircraft.

Taxis were not included in the rules but the Department for Transport encouraged passengers to wear a covering anyway.

Wearing a mouth and nose covering reduces the risk of asymptomatic carriers from transmitting the virus to others and DIY solutions including just a thick scarf can be enough.

The Government even urged the public to put their practical skills to use in making their own covering rather than buying up essential medical masks required for NHS heroes.