TfL announce Toyota are manufacturing and installing temporary screens suitable for Prius minicabs

Transport for London (TfL) have announced that automakers Toyota have manufactured and will be installing temporary partition screens for a number of its vehicles, including the Prius which is most commonly used by private hire drivers.

TfL said they have received a large number of applications from private hire operators, individual private hire drivers and some suppliers of partitions, and as the capital's taxi and private hire licensing authority they have a role to ensure the installation of any such screens, and the materials used, comply with government and industry regulations and their requirements as the licensing authority.

TfL said: "We are pleased to inform you that Toyota is now manufacturing temporary partition screens that are suitable for a variety of Toyota vehicle models.

"Drivers/vehicle owners or PHV operators will be able to arrange installation at local Toyota dealerships. Please contact your local Toyota dealership for more information."

The current temporary partition screens are available for the following Toyota models:

• Toyota Corolla (Hatchback; Estate and Sedan models) (January 2019 onwards)

• Toyota Auris (May 2015 onwards)

• Toyota C-HR (2016 onwards)

• Toyota Prius (2010 onwards)

• Toyota Prius Plug-in (September 2016 onwards)

• Toyota Camry (September 2017 onwards)

• Toyota Camry (April 2018 onwards)

• Lexus UX (October 2018 onwards).

The Toyota Prius model is widely used by drivers operating on the Uber platform in the capital. A direct rival to the controversial ride-sharing app in London, is private hire firm Addison Lee.

Addison Lee recently moved forward with the installation of screens in all their London fleet. However, the installation was later found to have not been approved by Transport for London, who went on to order the removal of all screens in Addison Lee vehicles. More on that story can be found at Addison Lee orders drivers to remove screens following TfL licensing threats.

Image credit: TaxiPoint