Masked men on bikes have been seen riding through Nottingham's Market Square despite a new ban on face coverings, which came into effect just hours earlier. On Tuesday, several individuals were spotted with their faces concealed while cycling through the city center, raising questions about how the new rules will be enforced. Nottingham has become the first major city in the UK to implement specific powers targeting face coverings, aiming to reduce crime and anti-social behavior. The regulations allow police and council Community Protection Officers to ask individuals to remove their face coverings if they have a reasonable belief that the item is being used to hide someone's identity in connection with criminal activity, anti-social behavior, or intimidation. Those who refuse could face fines of up to £70, have their face coverings taken away, or be directed to a community work program. Repeat offenders might be subject to a criminal behavior order that could prevent them from entering the city center. The ban was introduced following a public consultation where over 2,200 people responded, with more than 90% in favor of the measure. Nottingham City Council’s deputy leader, Ethan Radford, questioned the need for face coverings in the city center, stating, "It's not a mountain. Unless you're taking part in high-octane adventure sports or in cold weather conditions, why on earth do you need to wear a balaclava?" Police city commander Superintendent Chris Pearson noted that young men wearing balaclavas were "sadly" often linked to drug dealing and weapons. He mentioned that officers had witnessed "particularly nasty incidents" involving weapons where individuals had their faces covered, which he said could be highly intimidating. The new measure does not constitute a complete ban on face coverings. Enforcement is only possible if there is a reasonable belief that the covering is connected to criminal or anti-social behavior. Exemptions are in place for legitimate reasons such as religious practices, medical needs, or work-related requirements. Similar powers have already been implemented in Wolverhampton, and Stafford Borough Council plans to introduce similar measures in December.