Passengers asked to leave Wolverhampton taxis by enforcement for failing to wear face masks

Image credit: Twitter-@OMWolverhamton

Enforcement officers for Wolverhampton Police, working alongside the council's compliance team, ordered passengers to leave taxi and private hire vehicles for failing to wear face coverings in the city.

The joint effort saw COVID compliance checks take place in Wolverhampton on Tuesday 2 February, where two passengers were asked to exit the vehicles for failing to adhere to government guidelines to not travel in a taxi without wearing a mask.

In total, Wolverhampton Council's Licensing Department carried out checks on 12 separate taxis and private hire vehicles, confirming that all 12 drivers were adhering to COVID legislation.

Unfortunately not all passengers were complying, forcing officers to take action.

Using their official Twitter account @OMWolverhampton, Wolves Police Offender Management Unit highlighted the incidents, saying: "Officers have worked alongside Wolves Council taxi licensing department to conduct COVID compliance checks.

"12 taxi drivers have been spoken to and all were adhering to the legislation. Two passengers have received direction to leave for failing to wear a face mask."

As per government guidelines, passengers must wear a face covering in a taxi or PHV, unless they are exempt.

A driver can refuse to take a passenger if they are not wearing a face covering and they are not exempt, but passengers do not have to provide proof that they are exempt.

A driver does not have to wear a face covering, but the Government recommend that they do if it does not affect their ability to drive safely.

Individual licensing authorities or operators may ask a driver to wear a face covering, therefore, drivers are advised to follow their guidance if it does not affect their ability to drive safely.

For the full details on face coverings in taxis and private hire vehicles legislation, you can visit the official government website.