The Department for Transport (DfT) have published trade specific guidance for drivers, operators and owners of hackney carriage or private hire vehicles to protect against coronavirus. It is important you follow this guidance.
GOV.UK taxis and private hire COVID-19 guidance
From 19 July, it is no longer law for drivers or passengers to wear a face covering. However, the government expects and recommends that people wear face coverings in crowded areas such as public transport. As drivers and passengers sit in close proximity, this includes licensed vehicles.
DfT recommend that face coverings are worn by drivers, providing it doesn't affect their ability to drive.
DfT also recommend passengers wear a face covering, unless medically exempt. It is recommended all operators and drivers make this a clear condition of booking so there is no misunderstanding between passengers and drivers.
An operator or driver may refuse to take a passenger who is not wearing a face covering if they feel that their health may be at risk and compromised by the passenger. This is also the advice given by DfT.
As there is no legal requirement to wear a face covering, it is the responsibility of individual drivers and operators to decide what steps are needed to protect workers through a Covid-19 risk assessment . It is suggested that drivers working for an operator inform them of the precautions they wish to take whilst carrying passengers.
Please be mindful of people who are unable to wear a face covering because of age, health or disability reasons. You still have a responsibility to passengers under the Equality Act 2010.
To see if your business may be entitled to any support you can visit our business pages and use the GOV.UK coronavirus business support finder tool .
Sign up to the Business Support eNewsletter.
You can contact us if you have further questions on the guidance on this page.
Email: licensing@nfdc.gov.uk
Phone: 023 8028 5505
Licensing Services
New Forest District Council
Appletree Court
Beaulieu Road
Lyndhurst
SO43 7PA
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