22/09/2020
❌ FACE COVERINGS ❌
https://extranet.dft.gov.uk/safer-transport-campaign/
IN ENGLAND FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT:
1. All passengers travelling in a taxi or private hire vehicle MUST wear face coverings – this is mandatory unless they are exempt
Please note that relevant exemptions will continue to apply for those with health, disability, or other reasons in line with the current face coverings on public transport regulations.
The penalty for failing to wear a face covering will now be £200 for a first offence, doubling each time to a maximum fine of £6,400. This is in line with penalties for breaking the rule of six
2. Taxi & private hire drivers DO NOT have to wear a face covering –
However it is recommended that drivers should wear a face covering when they have passengers in their vehicles
What this means:
The responsibility lies with the passengers to wear a face covering, drivers can only ask or remind, they cannot insist
If the driver has asked, and the passenger refuses, then the passenger will be liable for the fine
There is no legal right to “insist” on seeing proof of exemption as it stands right now
Drivers CAN refuse to take passengers who don’t wear a face cover as this would fall under “any reasonable cause” for refusal
Stay safe
https://extranet.dft.gov.uk/safer-transport-campaign/
We have issued guidance setting out how people can travel safely if using public transport. If not in local lockdown, people should continue to walk or cycle for all or part of their journey, but where this is not possible, people should use public transport or drive.