Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans he has to make the use of face coverings in taxis compulsory in response to the covid-19 outbreak.

The Secretary of State’s announcement that from 15 June face coverings will be required while using public transport in England does not cover taxis and private hire vehicles (PHVs); both are already able to implement measures to protect drivers and passengers including a requirement for passengers to wear a face covering (clearly taking account of those who cannot do so, such as people with disabilities). Taxi drivers are able to refuse carriage to passengers where it is reasonable to do so, this might include those that are able but refuse to wear a face covering. PHV operators can make the wearing of face covering a condition of hiring. We are aware of PHV operators that are doing this and requiring the drivers they work with to do the same.