Following weeks of extensive discussions with licensing authorities and government officials we now have Department for Transport (DfT) guidance and, in respect of the capital, updated advice from Transport for London.

The DfT has published some useful information that will broadly help everyone in the industry in the form of its Coronavirus (COVID-19): Safer Transport Guidance for Operators.

In London, which licenses around 125,000 of the country’s approximately 300,000 drivers, Transport for London Taxi & Private Hire (TfL TPH) have issued the most recent and as yet, significant update via Notice 07/20. Their general information offers some additional clarity for operators, drivers and the public, however it is not definitive and may change, as the pandemic situation unfolds, in the future. For such reasons, the LPHCA reluctantly is not in the position to give any advice on this subject and can only present the latest government or regulator advice, that to the best of our endeavours, was accurate when sent.

Our largest member, Addison Lee, have today announced that they will be installing partition screens in their vehicles to protect drivers and passengers. Addison Lee claim to be the first in the industry to make the move and told the London Evening Standard they would be fitting screens to separate the front of its cars from passengers in the rear to all of its 4,000 vehicles.

Beyond the above guidance, if operators or drivers have any questions or concerns regarding partition screens or related matters, the LPHCA recommends consulting your licensing authority. Where possible, the LPHCA will assist and support its members in these enquiries. The LPHCA will continue engaging with all relevant parties to support everyone working in our industry and the travelling public being kept as safe as possible.

UPDATE - 16:30: Local Transport Restart Update (England)

Since compiling the above information earlier this afternoon we have received the publication of new government guidance on providing transport services safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Separate guidance has been published for passengers to outline who should be travelling and how social distancing rules should be observed across different points in journeys.

The DfT has advised the LPHCA that it is important to review and implement these guidance documents if you are operating a taxi or private hire vehicle business or are a self-employed driver.

There are sections relevant to the taxi and private hire vehicle sector, which are available to LPHCA members in the members only area to help you navigate these.

The guidance will continue to develop as lockdown restrictions change.