HAND sanitiser dispensers have been installed at 20 of Southampton's busiest bus stops to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

The stainless-steel dispensers have been installed by Southampton City Council and are said to make it easy for passengers to sanitise their hands when boarding or after leaving buses.

Funded through a Department for Transport grant, the dispensers are set to be in place for at least 6 months, but may be in place longer depending on evolving guidance on the prevention of Covid-19.

The council says the level of sanitizer fluid in each dispenser will be checked and topped up on a regular basis.

Councillor Steve Leggett, Cabinet Member for Green City and Infrastructure said: “A successful trial of a hand sanitiser dispenser at an Above Bar bus stop was carried out in December and January.

"As we come out of lockdown, having this facility available will help protect both passengers and bus staff from transmission of the virus.”

The new sanitisers are in addition to existing measures already implemented by the council and bus operators, including measures to support social distancing, daily cleansing of buses, and “on the spot” spray cleaning throughout the day in busy City Centre bus hubs such as Vincent’s Walk, Above Bar and Portland Terrace, whilst vehicles are in service.