Category: Latest News

Walsall Council have Issued advice to Taxi Drivers and we thought we would pass it on to you.

Also You can buy very cheap protection for your Cab from Ebay Click https://bit.ly/2wSjils to find out more.

COVID-19 prevention advice for Taxi Drivers

This guidance has been created in the interim, while awaiting further guidance from central government. Information is frequently changing and being updated and if you require further advice please visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public 

COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus. This briefing explains some of the steps you can take to reduce the risk of transmitting and contracting COVID-19

Think about asking about symptoms before a passenger is picked up

In line with current guidance people with a new persistent cough or high temperature should stay at home. If potential passengers have symptoms, direct them to NHS 111 and advise them not to make the journey.

Where possible, ask all passengers to sit in the back of your vehicle.

Keep your vehicle clean to reduce the impact of the virus

• Regularly clean surfaces, such as card payment devices, steering wheels, handbrake, door handles, with normal cleaning products. (At the beginning, middle and end of a shift as a minimum)
• Carry a box of tissues and use tissues to catch coughs and sneezes
• Dispose of used tissues in the bin as soon as possible
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water (you can keep a bottle of water and a bar of soap in your vehicle) or use a sanitizer gel – do this for at least 20 seconds. Sanitizer gel should be a minimum 60% alcohol – hand washing guidance

What to do if someone develops symptoms of COVID-19

• If you become unwell with the symptoms of COVID-19 you should go home and follow the stay at home guidance.
• If you need advice go online to NHS 111 (or call 111 if they don’t have internet access). In an emergency, call 999 if seriously ill or injured or life is at risk. Do not visit the GP, pharmacy, urgent care centre or a hospital.
• If a passenger is taken unwell with symptoms of COVID-19, you do not need to go home unless you develop symptoms. You should wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds after any contact with someone who is unwell and clean your vehicle before the next passenger.

Latest Advice

If you, or anyone in your household, are experiencing either

• a new continuous cough, OR
• a high temperature (of 37.8 degrees centigrade or higher) Then members of your household are now advised to stay at home (self-isolate) for 14 days from the onset of symptoms following the current advice. Individuals are encouraged to ask for help from others for their daily essentials.

Everyone should do what they can to stop coronavirus spreading.

It is particularly important for people who:

• are 70 or over
• have a long-term condition
• are pregnant
• have a weakened immune system

Further information is available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

We have come across a website that sells Driver Shields which Private Hire Drivers some protection from Passengers in rear and front car.

We thought we would let drivers know about this product so they make their own inquiries from the supplier.

As the weeks go by and things start improving drivers may wish to have something like this fitted.

Website: https://www.drivershields.co.uk/

Email: info@drivershields.co.uk

Phone Number: (01702) 479872

Taxi Drivers and other self employed citizens will receive help from the UK government during the Pandemic Crisis

The Chancellor has announced a Grant very similar to that awarded to regular employees recently.

247 Cars is explaining the process in very simple terms to it’s drivers below.

To be Eligible for the Grant You have to:

Be Self Employed already with a 2019 Self Assessment Form

Earn Less Than £50,000 per year

What if I became self employed last week?

You cannot apply for this Grant as It maybe very difficult to work out your income.

Limited Company Owners CANNOT apply for this Grant.  This means 247 Cars owners will not receive any help.

I missed Jan 2020 Self Assessment Deadline Can I still apply?

You have 30 days to get your Tax return submitted and then you can still apply.

How will Grant be worked out?

Amount claimable will based on 80% of average PROFIT over your last three tax returns

At least half your income needs to be from self employment.

Whats The Maximum amount I can get?

You can get up to £2500 per month for 3 months initially

The Grant is Taxable and needs to be declared on your next Tax Return.

When can I get the Grant?

The target for getting Grant paid to you is the beginning of June 2020

Grant will be backdated to 1st March 2020 and paid into your bank account.

How do I apply for the Grant?

You do not have to apply, HMRC will contact you if you are eligible.

A simple form will have to be submitted online.

Can I carry on working if I get the Grant?

Yes, self employed taxi drivers CAN carry on working unlike regular employees who cannot

 

A SEMI-LOCKDOWN HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED FOR THE NEXT 3 WEEKS

247 CARS DRIVERS ARE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE TO WORK AS THE  UK GOVERNMENT DID NOT BAN TRAVELLING TO OR FROM WORK OR STOP PUBLIC TRANSPORT WHICH WE ARE PART OF.

OPERATORS WILL BE ASKING NUMBER OF PASSENGERS AND EXPLAIN ONLY 1 PASSENGER WILL BE CARRIED SO WE DON’T BREAK THE “2 PERSON GATHERING RULE”

WE ALSO PROMISE TO PAY ALL DRIVERS THEIR CARD PAYMENTS EVERY  WEEK FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE AS LONG AS YOU FILL OUT THIS FORM BY CLICKING https://bit.ly/2Uv8xgF

After the Latest UK Government Announcement

What is Allowed:

1. Shopping

2.Exercise once a day

3. Medical Reasons

4. Travel To & From Work

What Is Not Allowed:

5. Gatherings of more than 2 people

6. Weddings, Baptisms etc Funerals are still ok

What Can Stay Open

7. Parks Open, but no gatherings

What Has To Close

8. Non Essential shops/Premises to close i.e electrical stores, clothes shops, Mosques, Churches, Temples etc

Our understanding of this is that a taxi driver’s To and From Work is what it is and so taxi drivers are allowed to continue

AS THE GOVERNMENT HAS STATED THIS IS A RAPIDLY CHANGING SITUATION AND IS CONSTANTLY BEING REVIEWED AND WE WILL UPDATE FURTHER IF ANYTHING DEVELOPS.