TfL continues Covid-19 support for taxi and private hire industry

Transport for London (TfL) is providing 1.5 million facemasks and 30,000 bottles of Dettol hand sanitiser to the taxi and private hire industry.

TfL said the support will help give Londoners and visitors to the capital more confidence to plan safe journeys as visitors run up in the run up to Christmas.

The sanitiser and face masks will be distributed to drivers at selected London Underground and other car parks spread across the capital.

TfL has created short educational videos for drivers that provide guidance on how to clean their vehicle after each time a passenger has been dropped off.

Drivers will also receive a sticker to display in the vehicle to demonstrate that the driver is “Covid prepared”.

Passengers are required by law to wear a face covering at all times when in a licensed vehicle unless they are exempt.

TfL has also made clear to drivers that they are also expected to wear a face covering at all times when in a licensed vehicle unless they too are exempt.

TfL also continues to provide financial assistance for taxi drivers wanting to take their older, polluting vehicles off the road with grants totalling more than £30 million already paid out and a further £7,500 grant available towards the cost of purchasing a new zero emission capable taxi.

Helen Chapman, TfL director of licensing, regulation and charging, said: “We know the pandemic has been tough for taxi and private hire drivers, which is why we want to do all we can to help them prosper as restrictions are eased.

“We are providing this additional support to help boost the industry in the coming weeks, reassuring customers that vehicles are as safe and clean as they possibly can be.

“We will continue to provide up-to-date advice and guidance for drivers on how to keep themselves safe and what support is available for them in these difficult times.”