Pendle council warns taxi services to be limited for essential journeys only during COVID-19 crisis

Pendle Borough Council has warned residents in the area that taxi services will be limited to essential journeys only for the foreseeable future during the coronavirus pandemic.

The announcement comes following nationwide efforts to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus by reducing social contact and non-essential travel.

The council announced a more limited taxi service will operate in Pendle from 6pm Friday 27 March. Individual taxi companies are making the decision whether to operate through the coronavirus crisis. 

Neil Watson who manages taxi licensing for Pendle said: “Our taxis in Pendle provide a valuable service.

“They are facing a difficult choice of whether they can continue to provide a service whilst protecting their staff and customers.”

Neil Watson added: "The companies that will continue to provide a service will do so responsibly by only taking passengers on essential journeys and by practising safe distancing.

“On Thursday 26 March, the government made new public health regulations and strengthened police enforcement powers to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

“This includes avoiding non-essential travel,” he explained.

Leader of Pendle Council, Mohammed Iqbal, also said: “Taxi drivers are following Government advice to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.

“It’s vital that drivers and passengers are protected and priority is being given to vulnerable people and NHS staff getting to and from work.”

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