DfT urge vaccinated taxi passengers to continue using facemask and social distancing measures

The Department of Transport (DfT) has urged vaccinated taxi and private hire passengers to continue using face masks and social distancing measures.

The latest guidance handed to travellers walking, cycling, and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak was released by DfT on 15 June.

Passengers who have received a vaccine should continue to apply safety measures, by wearing a face covering and adhering to social distancing guidance when using taxis or private hire vehicles (PHV).

Anyone using taxis and PHVs must wear a face covering when travelling. Passengers will be breaking the law if they fail to do so and could be fined. A taxi driver or private hire vehicle operator will still be entitled to refuse to accept passengers if they do not wear a face covering, unless they are exempt from this requirement.

Anyone travelling in a cab should stay 2 metres apart from people they do not live with where possible, or 1 metre while wearing a face covering.

When travelling by taxi, aside from the driver, it is advisable to limit who you travel with to people in your household or support bubble. Passengers can travel in a group of up to 6 people from a number of households or a group of any size from no more than 2 households unless they are travelling for a reason that is exempt.

DfT are continuing to advise passengers to use contactless payment if possible, or find out if they can pay online in advance.