Transport for London has issued the following update on its services with non-essential shops and outdoor attractions opening from Monday.

A near-normal service continues to be in operation across TfL’s public transport network but customers are asked to travel during the quieter times to help spread demand across the day when there is spare capacity, to make social distancing easier.

Customers who have not travelled recently will see a number of changes to the network.

Extensive signage is in place on trains, trams, buses, platforms and stations, reminding those who need to travel to socially distance.

More than 1,000 hand sanitisers are installed across the network, and 200 UV light devices are continually sanitising escalator handrails. 

TfL says transport network has never been cleaner - Imperial College London sampling of touch points and air across the network continues to find zero traces of coronavirus.

Customers must continue to wear a face covering at all times unless exempt. Free face coverings will be distributed at key locations across the transport network for those who need them.To date, around 149,000 customers have been stopped from travelling, with around 2,700 receiving a fixed penalty notice.

Andy Byford, London’s transport commissioner, said: "With Government restrictions continuing to ease, more people are going to be returning to the transport network to travel around London and enjoy the shopping and leisure activities that are reopening. 

"We are ready and looking forward to welcoming customers both back to our network, which is operating at near-normal levels of frequency, as well as supporting those who are walking and cycling – including Santander Cycles – particularly to complete journeys in central London and the West End. 

"We’re ensuring public transport is cleaner than ever, and our staff across London are ready to assist and to help keep everyone safe.  Public transport is well-ventilated and our frequent public transport services will minimise the instances when social distancing is not possible.

"I would urge people to try to travel when there is more spare capacity - between 8.15am and 4pm and after 5.30pm on weekdays and before noon on weekends - and to check before they travel as there may be some service changes at short notice if we deal with any staff absences. 

"I would also ask customers to help us.  Please be patient and wait for the next service, if necessary, to maintain social distancing. Do not assume that photographs showing crowded services are typical of the network – there is plenty of spare capacity available so long as we all work together to spread journeys across the day.  

"Customers must continue to wear face coverings over their nose and mouth unless they are exempt and our enforcement officers and the Police will not hesitate to take enforcement action against anyone not complying with the rules that keep everyone safe."