Residents who book a Knowsley licensed private hire vehicle are urged to request a local driver when making a booking.
This will not only support local jobs but will reduce the number of drivers coming in from outside the Borough – helping to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus.
Passengers in taxis and private hire vehicles are now also required to wear a face covering. Drivers can refuse the fare if a passenger does not comply with this requirement unless the passenger is exempt from wearing a face covering. This is to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
Advice from Public Health is that all licensed drivers, taxi or private hire, should use a face covering/face mask when working, helping to protect themselves and their passengers.
Drivers who test positive for coronavirus must self-isolate immediately and must inform Knowsley’s Licensing Service at taxi.licensing@knowsley.gov.uk Any person who doesn’t self-isolate when required risks a fine of up to £10,000. Any Knowsley licensed driver failing to comply with these requirements may have their licence revoked.
Cllr Shelley Powell, Knowsley Council Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods, said: “If you ask for a local driver when booking a private hire vehicle, you are helping to protect local jobs and businesses. You are also helping to reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission. With the situation we’re in passengers have a duty to ensure drivers are complying with the regulations and vice versa. We are all in this situation together and with a Knowsley Better Together approach we can help reduce the spread of COVID-19.”