One of the first challenges we face is preparing for a return to work while complying with Safety in the Workplace guidelines.
I would appreciate a definitive plan and guidelines from the NTA and the Department of Transport on how best we can provide a service without breaching existing PSV Regulations e.g. “Refusing a fare” if 4 people walk up to a rank the driver cannot refuse them. Similarly if someone uses an app or phone booking and the taxi arrives to see 4 people. He currently can’t say, “I’m only carrying 2 and they must sit in the back.
We have a “Duty of Care” to our customers, drivers and staff and we need to communicate this clearly to all concerned.
Some drivers are fitting screens as a way to protect from sneeze and cough spray.
Many years back when we experienced a spurge of attacks on drivers screen were also fitted. As a result of injuries caused by the passenger making contact with the screen insurance companies reassessed liability based on interfering with the integrity of the interior design of the car and screens slowly disappeared.
I think there are some very well moulded screen designs that are not fixed by screws and hole drilling so maybe they might suit but I would prefer if they were approved by insurance underwriters.
I think it would be helpful if we could agree a number of positive actions that would encourage public usage of taxis and show that Drivers and Companies are proactive and not reactive.
Our industry will face a slow gradual resumption to work with a significant drop in revenue. We need to consider how companies could survive without government wage subsidy and also how drivers can survive without Covid19 payments.
We want a safe gradual planned return with all the best safety practises. We are sourcing high quality screens and car sanitisation products to play our part in a successful recovery but we need the NTA and the Department of Transport to guide and assist us in this challenge.