Covid in Scotland: Review after row over 1m rule on cross-border trains

A rail operator is carrying out a review after it was criticised for not enforcing social distancing rules when trains cross the border from England.

People in Scotland should stay 1m from each other in public places but the rule has been lifted down south.

London North Eastern Railway (LNER) earlier told customers it was operating "under English guidance".

Transport Scotland said it was "not acceptable" for LNER to "issue inaccurate advice".

Hours later LNER changed its position, saying it was "reviewing its approach" on Anglo-Scottish services and would provide an update in due course.

A spokesperson for the firm said: "The safety of our customers and colleagues remains our top priority. We are continuing to provide an enhanced cleaning programme onboard our trains and at our stations as well as reminding customers to wear a face mask, unless exempt.

"We are also using our reservation system to prevent overcrowding and our website to continue to inform customers which are our least busy and busier services, to enable people to plan ahead and travel in confidence."

The BBC understands that Avanti West Coast will make announcements on trains leaving Carlisle advising people of Scotland's social distancing rules to give them a chance to move seats.

The firm has encouraged passengers to travel at quieter times.

ScotRail says "physical distancing can't be guaranteed" in stations or on trains and asks people to "take personal responsibility".

Transport Scotland earlier said the "law was clear" and that rail operators had to take steps to ensure social distancing was "reasonably practicable" in level zero areas.

A spokesman said: "It is our expectation that operators providing a public transport service in Scotland to comply with the law as far as is reasonably practical and inform passengers using their services."Transport Scotland officials received assurance from LNER on Friday that their messages to customers would be changed to reflect and respect Scottish government law and guidance. It is not acceptable that LNER has continued to issue inaccurate advice."

Scotland has moved to the lowest level of Covid restrictions as it continues on its roadmap out of lockdown, while England has lifted most legal restrictions.

The move means more people in Scotland will be allowed to meet indoors and attend weddings and funerals but there are some "modifications".

In public places, one-metre physical distancing remains for people from different households.

Some limits on outdoor meetings are also being maintained and the mandatory use of face coverings is to remain in place for "some time".