Town hall: We are working hard to keep our cabs clean

COUNCIL DEFENDS STANDARDS AFTER MP’S CONCERNS

KIRKLEES Council has defended its procedures for keeping customers safe in taxis after Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman said more should be done.

Mr Sheerman said Uber operated a system whereby customers were assured that taxi drivers were fully vaccinated and that they had properly cleaned down their cabs after every fare.

He wants to see a system of purple badges brought in so it’s clear to everyone that a certain standard has been met.

Akooji Badat, secretary of Huddersfield Hackney Carriage Association, said it was a two-way system and taxi drivers also needed protection from customers.

Colin Parr, strategic director for environment and climate change, said: “Kirklees Council licencing team has put in significant measures to ensure the safety of taxi drivers and passengers alike.

“This has included providing PPE packs, access to lateral flow testing, self-isolation, support and guidance and information on how to run a taxi or private hire vehicle safely.

“Vaccination can help to combat

Covid, however, wearing face coverings, good hand hygiene, ensuring suitable ventilation within the taxi and cleanliness are all still extremely important and key to making journeys as safe as possible.

“The following of public health guidance in all circumstances is the responsibility of everyone, and only together can we beat the virus.

“If users of Kirklees taxi and private hire vehicles are concerned about the cleanliness or conduct of a driver, we encourage them to contact licensing@kirklees.gov.uk “