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But retail bosses said it should never be the responsibility of their staff in stores to police the rules. The measures brought England closer into line with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland where face coverings are mandatory on public transport and for many indoor areas. At London Bridge station, commuter Mark Briggs, 53, who works as a facilities manager, said: “I didn’t see much difference. There are still a lot of people not wearing masks. I didn’t see anyone enforcing it. It is mentioned on the tannoys but that is it.”

At Paddington station, Marc Zinnendor, who was travelling to Kingham in Oxfordshire, said he would not wearing a face covering.

The 52-year-old said “They’re just a distraction from the Peppa Pig World disaster and all the Tory sleaze accusations.” Katie Pitts, co-owner of Leeds-based fashion boutique The Dressing Room, feared the change could hit business. She said: “We’re a non-essential retailer, so if they don’t feel like wearing a mask, they might not come in.”

Nigel Bourne, owner of East Sussex-based retailer Rye Cookshop, said face covering rules should “never have gone out in the first place”. He added: “I do not want to work in a shop where people are not wearing masks properly. If the law says you have got to wear it, wear it.”

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Masks should now be worn in indoor locations including shops, shopping centres, post offices, banks, hairdressers, food takeaways and public transport. The National Police Chiefs’ Council said forces would “continue to enforce coronavirus regulations where necessary”.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “Evidence shows mask-wearing is the single most effective public health measure at tackling Covid. “Transport for London will work with policing partners and really boost compliance, with the selfish few who refuse to wear a face covering facing a fine, rather than just being denied entry.”

But British Retail Consortium chief Helen Dickinson said: “It is vital we do not place retail staff in harm’s way. Enforcement of face coverings must remain the duty of the authorities.”

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