First Watford taxi driver qualifies for COVID-19 ‘Travel with Confidence’ accreditation mark
The first of many independent taxi drivers to qualify for Watford Borough Council’s new Travel with Confidence accreditation mark is now available for hire.
The new confidence mark, developed by the council in response to COVID-19, is a sign that the car’s driver has completed specialist infection control and risk assessment training.
Drivers who successfully pass the course are awarded the Travel With Confidence mark to display in their vehicles as a clear sign to customers they can use the taxi or minicab with confidence.
For Watford based licence holders who meet the strict standards required, the council is also making a grant available for the installation of a passenger safety screen.
Accredited drivers can be found on ranks as well as through the travel Watford app.
Nouman Tahir, a local taxi driver, is the first qualified driver available to be booked through the free to download app.
The high standards of Travel with Confidence are maintained in partnership with experts in infection control, health and safety and patient transport. Drivers must commit to ongoing random inspections and checks.
Operators must agree to report the results of inspections on a regular basis. Any failure to uphold the standards will result in the removal of the accreditation.
Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said: “Offering safe ways to travel around Watford is vital as we start to get the town back on its feet. We want to make sure local people can feel confident when taking a taxi and minicab that everything has been done by the drivers and operators to keep passengers safe. I would encourage people to look out for the special mark and make a safe choice when deciding on how to travel.”
