All Uber drivers and passengers in the UK to wear face masks from Monday the firm has announced

Both Uber drivers and passengers must wear face coverings across the UK from Monday, the ride-sharing firm has announced.

Drivers in London will also be required to submit a photograph of themselves to verify they are following the new rule before they can begin working, although there is no real way of determining whether the mask will remain on throughout all trips.

Passengers and drivers will be allowed to cancel a trip without financial penalty if the other party is not wearing a face covering.

The policy falls in-line with the Government’s decision to make face coverings mandatory for public transport users in England from Monday.

Drivers working on the Uber platform will also be asked to confirm they have taken additional safety measures such as regularly sanitising their car and washing their hands.

Jamie Heywood, Uber’s Regional General Manager for Northern and Eastern Europe, said: “For months we’ve been urging people to stay home, for their safety and the safety of drivers who make essential trips.

“Now, as cities begin to reopen and people start moving again, we’re taking measures to help everyone stay safe and healthy every time they use Uber. “We’ve introduced measures to ensure that every driver can access the PPE (personal protective equipment) they need for free to help keep them safe when driving with Uber, and from Monday, we will require anyone using the Uber app in the UK to wear a face covering.”

The requirement for drivers to provide proof they are wearing a face covering could be extended from London to include the whole of the UK, Uber said.