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Face coverings must be worn on London's transport network despite restrictions easing on 19 July, London's mayor says.

Sadiq Khan said he was not prepared to put Tube, bus and other transport users at risk by relaxing the rules on face coverings, BBC News reported.

Face masks have been mandatory on public transport for the past year to reduce the spread of the virus.

But those rules will be replaced with government guidance advising passengers to wear masks only on busy services.

England is removing most of its Covid restrictions next Monday, and while Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he expects masks to be worn in crowded places, such as on a busy Tube train, their use will no longer be compulsory.

London was the first English city to insist on face coverings after Covid restrictions ease.

Other metro mayors have also joined calls for masks to be worn on public transport.