As I’ve mentioned on this blog, I haven’t travelled very much by train since March.

On the occasions when I have taken the train, I have put on a face covering as required when entering the station, kept it on while standing on the platforms and also worn it while on the train.

I’ll be honest: I don’t like wearing a face covering. They are uncomfortable and they make my spectacles steam up. I’ve tried every solution that I’ve read about for preventing the fogging up of my glasses but none has worked.

I find it hard to breathe with a covering over my mouth and nose and it’s a relief when I remove them after I have left the station at the end of my journey and am back out in the open air.

But I wear one because not only is it now mandatory but also because it helps to protect others. Whatever one’s view on the science and effectiveness of wearing face coverings, you have to put aside your personal views for the benefit of fellow passengers.

My discomfort in wearing a face covering while travelling is increased when I see other people not wearing one. Yes, some people are exempt; yes, some people have hidden disabilities but you’re not telling me that everyone who is not wearing a face covering falls into those categories.

I have seen plenty of young people on platforms and on trains not wearing coverings: perhaps they think they’re immune from catching the virus because of their age. Or maybe they think the rules don’t apply to them.

I have seen plenty of people on trains wearing a covering over their mouth but not their nose: perhaps they think the virus knows about the distinction between breathing in and breathing out. Or maybe they think the rules allow for the wearing of coverings in this way.

I have seen plenty of people on trains wearing their covering under their chin. Again, how does that work? Please explain. Or is it a fashion statement?

I have moved seat and moved carriage at times to be further away from people not wearing face coverings.

All of these instances make travelling by train even more uncomfortable for me. On the one hand, I want to remind people about the rules and the need for us all to follow them; on the other hand, some of them may have valid reasons for behaving in that way.

In any case, should it be done to me to police the actions of others?

Sometimes I have politely spoken to passengers about the wearing of masks and they have either apologised (rarely) or adjusted them to wear them correctly (occasionally). But most of the time I inwardly seethe and find my journey has been spoiled by the actions of others.

So it is very encouraging to read that an enforcement trial has resulted in increased observance of the face covering rules on public transport.

Train operators have worked with the police to remind travellers about the rules. Although the vast majority of people were already complying, those who weren’t started doing so after the authorities had spoken to them.

And a small number who still refused to comply were either removed from the station or issued with a penalty notice. Quite right: there has to be enforcement and punishment for those who break the rules for the benefit of the law-abiding majority.

This is just a trial and covers only one area but it is surely the way to go if we are all to enjoy public transport once again when the restrictions ease.

Please don’t spoil the delights of train travel by flouting the rules. It’s time to face the facts.