Council advises minicab users to avoid out-of-town drivers to help reduce the spread of COVID-19

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Residents who book a Knowsley licensed private hire vehicle are urged to request a local driver when making a booking, the council has said.

The council said 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 the 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 also to help stop the spread of the 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.

A spokesperson for the council warned 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.”