Transport for London (TfL) has issued close to 500 fines to passengers refusing to wear a face covering on its services.

Freedom of Information requests from the BBC have revealed that TfL issued nearly 500 fines to people between July and September, as well as stopping around 113,000 people from getting on public transport until they put on a face covering.

Wearing a face covering has been mandatory whilst travelling on London's transport network since June 15, or else risk £100 fine.

And hundreds have been issued with Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) in London boroughs, the FOIs revealed, with Lambeth being the worst borough in the capital.

As of 21 October, almost 500 FPNs had been handed out, TfL said. The borough-level information available only went up to 22 September.

Enforcement officers had also stopped about 113,000 people from getting on public transport services until they put on a face covering.

As of 21 October, officers had stopped 8,200 people from boarding and removed 1,800 from services.

TfL said most people were abiding by the rules but action is being taken against a 'selfish minority'.

Director of Security Siwan Hayward, told the BBC: "We would rather people were sensible and follow the law, but we will take enforcement action when we need to.

"To help protect everyone's health and control the spread of the virus, it is essential that people wear face coverings.

"The vast majority of customers are protecting others by wearing a face covering properly unless they are exempt.

"But sadly, there is a selfish minority who are showing a complete disregard for everyone around them and who think it is ok to ignore the law."

This comes as TfL faces a funding crisis amid talks with the the Government over a £1 million rescue package.

Boris Johnson is reportedly offering Sadiq Khan a rescue package that comes with a number of controversial measures, including raising faces, congestion zones, and removing ticket concessions, in exchange for bailing London's transport body out.

Certain people are exempt from wearing a face covering.

This list includes, but isn't limited to, children under the age of 11, people who cannot put on or remove a mask because of a physical or mental illness, or disability, or if you are with someone who relies on lip reading.