Taxi FAQ’s – COVID 19 - Updated 14th May 2020
1. Can I still work as a hackney carriage or private hire business?
Yes you can. The advice from the Department of Transport is Taxis and private hire vehicles can continue to work.
A copy of the new Government Guidance on Safer Transport dated 12th May 2020 can be found here:
Separate guidance [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers#taxis-and-private-hire-vehicles] has been published for passengers to outline who should be travelling and how social distancing rules should be observed across different points in journeys.
It is important that you review and implement these guidance documents if you are operating a taxi or private hire vehicle business, or are a self-employed driver.
2. I have no work – what should I do with my licence?
We understand that our drivers do not have a lot of work at the moment so we are giving you the option to voluntarily halt your licence temporarily.
To do this you will need to tell us in writing, If you could provide a signed document by the licence holder on headed paper to this effect this would be appreciated, if you do not have the facility to do this then an email will be sufficient. We will then halt your licence for the foreseeable future. Whilst the licence is held you cannot work.
Before you can re-instate your licence all supporting documents will need to be valid. To re-instate your licence please email us and inform us of the date you will be working from again.
3. My Operator/Driver/Vehicle licence is up for renewal – what should I do?
At the current time The Public Protection Partnership is still able to process and issue all licences.
Bracknell Forest Council application forms are online and will be issued through the post. Payment can also be made online.
West Berkshire Council and Wokingham Borough Council applications need to be downloaded and then emailed to the relevant licensing email address (see the bottom of this document). Once we have received the forms by email we will then advise how to make the fee payment.
Please allow extra time for your licence to be processed, as we may need to post it to you if the offices close.
4. How can I renew my licence if I do not have enough funds?
The Government have announced financial support for both the employed and the self-employed who are unable to work at this time.
The current charges will still apply but if these change as a result of any government or local decisions on financial support during this time we will notify you and ensure any of these benefits are passed on to yourselves.
The Self-employment Income Support Scheme will allow taxi and PHV drivers to claim a taxable grant worth 80% of your trading profits up to a maximum of £2,500 per month for the next 3 months. This may be extended if needed.
The Chancellor has set out a package of temporary, timely and targeted measures to support public services, people and businesses through this period of disruption caused by COVID-19.
5. My supporting documents are expiring what should I do?
Where you can please scan and send your documents by email. If you are unable to scan then you can send a clear photo to us by email. Documents must be clear and readable.
MOTs - The Government has allowed an extension for 6 months on all MOTs so we will also allow you this extension. However, it is your responsibility to ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy and safe for your passengers.
Age of Vehicle – If your age of vehicle is due to expire soon then this will be assessed on a case by case basis and if appropriate an inspection may be granted or alternative arrangements will be made.
Vehicle Inspections – if you are still working then our authorised garages are still operational so please get a vehicle inspection done as normal.
If you have informed us you are not working then please get the vehicle inspection done before you return to work – this will mean the expiry date will now be calculated from the date the inspection was able to take place.
Medical – if you are working and cannot get a GP appointment then please let us know as soon as possible.
If you have informed us you are not working then please get a medical done by your GP before you return to work. This means the expiry date for your medical may change, we will inform you of the new renewal date.
6. I am booked on or need to book onto my Safeguarding Training Course, what should I do?
We are currently unable to provide any class room based courses due to social distancing and Government restrictions that are in place. However, the Blue lamp Trust are now able to provide a virtual classroom based course for the Safeguarding Training. The course will last 2 hours and 10 minutes and will be held via Zoom. The cost of the course is £25 and you will be issued with a certificate from the Blue Lamp Trust. Please note there are only 10 places per session but if successful we will add additional sessions.
To book a place on the course please use the following link:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/virtual-taxi-safeguarding-classroom-course-tickets-104129325616
Access Password - TAXISAFEVIRTUAL
7. How can I keep myself and my passengers safe?
You should take account of Government Guidelines. https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus. You should not be working if you are over 70 or in the vulnerable persons’ list. For details see the Government’s website https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults.
If you decide to work we recommend that you only seat passengers in the rear of the vehicle and wipe down all hard surfaces, including door handles regularly with an antibacterial wipe. Wash your hands frequently or use an antibacterial gel and try to avoid touching your face. Where possible keep the recommended 2 metres distance from your passengers.
There are some circumstances when wearing a face covering may be marginally beneficial as a precautionary measure. The evidence suggests that wearing a face covering does not protect you, but it may protect others if you are infected but have not yet developed symptoms.
Wearing a face covering is optional and is not required by the law. If you choose to wear one, it is important to use face coverings properly and wash your hands before putting them on and taking them off. Use the guidance on face coverings to understand how to wear and make a face coverings.
Other measures such as changing habits, social distancing, screens, cleaning and hygiene are also suggested in the guidance.
8. Can taxi and PHV drivers support passengers with accessibility issues while maintaining social distancing?
Taxi and PHV drivers are still under the same obligation to provide reasonable assistance and make reasonable adjustments for disabled passengers. The guidance includes advice on measures that workers and passengers can take when it is not possible to maintain the recommended social distance.
Bracknell Forest Council – Licence.All@Bracknell-Forest.gov.uk
West Berkshire Council – Licensing@westberks.gov.uk
Wokingham Borough Council – Licensing@wokingham.gov.uk
