LONDON

https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/safety-and-security/security-on-the-network/tph-related-sexual-offences

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NEWCASTLE AND NORTH EAST

Taxi firms Addison Lee and Uber have announced new safety measures as the government looks to ease coronavirus restrictions and people return to work.

Addison Lee will fit perspex partition screens between drivers and passengers across its 4,000 vehicles next week.

And Uber is paying the AA to install partitions in 400 cars in Newcastle, Sunderland and Durham as part of an initial pilot.

Both firms are also distributing free protective equipment to drivers.

The plans follow calls for improved protections for drivers and passengers.

"We know there is significant demand from drivers, passengers, businesses and the general public for more to be done to make transport cleaner and safer as we go back to work - including calls for the introduction of partition screens into private hire vehicles," said Liam Griffin, chief executive of London-based taxi firm Addison Lee.

"That's why we have taken the decision to begin rolling out the installation of safety screens between drivers and passenger seats."

Ride hailing taxi app firm Uber said its pilot in the North East of England was crucial for the company to get a better understanding of how to carry passengers on journeys as safely as possible.

Uber is first trialling the partition screens in areas where it has been able to gain the permission of the regulator or city council, in order to ensure that the screens are installed safely.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-52656090

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This week in Parliament

Lilian Greenwood Chair, Finance Committee (Commons)

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on taxis and private hire drivers; and what steps his Department is taking to support that sector.

(Citation: HC Deb, 11 May 2020, cW)

Rachel Maclean Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)


The Department is aware of the issues being faced by the taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) sector and are working with the industry to understand the particular pressures they are facing. The Self-employment Income Support Scheme will allow taxi and PHV drivers to claim a taxable grant worth 80% of their trading profits up to a maximum of £2,500 per month for the 3-month period from April to June. This may be extended if needed.
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