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'Not Mandatory' For Isle Of Wight Taxi Drivers To Wear Face Coverings

Taxi drivers on the Island are advised to wear face coverings, but the Isle of Wight Council says they will not be forced to.

From today (Monday), the use of protective gear on public transport has been made mandatory to stop the spread of coronavirus. That includes the Island's cross-Solent operators, Island Line, Southern Vectis buses and the Floating Bridge.

Those exempt from having to wear the coverings include children under the age of 11.

However, the council says current Government guidance does not extend to taxis and private hire vehicles. 

An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson said:

"The Isle of Wight Council’s licensing department would like to advise all drivers that while we will not make the use of face coverings mandatory there is an expectation that all drivers will adopt these protective measures for their own safety and that of their passengers."

The local authority says it is also "reasonable" for a driver to refuse a fare, if a passenger does not wear a covering at the request of a driver.

The council added:

"This is the council’s position currently but may be subject to change if central government advice changes."

Current advice for taxis and private hire vehicles can be found online. 

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