Taxi Driver Online

Didn't mean to repeat 'HC/HCD' in the thread title, but 'drivers' didn't fit

But in fact it's certainly worth emphasising *HC*, because if I'm reading this correctly then the offer of a free test doesn't apply to PHVs, although the typically vague use of the word 'taxi' means it's not 100% clear.


Stoke-on-Trent taxi drivers urged to get regular coronavirus tests

https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/news/st ... ed-5300383

Eight private hire firms have already committed to regular testing

Stoke-on-Trent's taxi drivers are being urged to get twice-weekly rapid coronavirus tests.

Eight private hire firms have already backed Stoke-on-Trent City Council's plea for drivers to have two lateral flow tests each week.

The tests can give a positive or negative reading in around 30 minutes.

Now the city council is turning its attention to the Hackney Carriages as it tries to stamp the virus out of the area.

As a thank you for undertaking regular testing, taxi drivers will be offered a free licensed vehicle MOT at the council’s Cromer Road site in Northwood if they are able to prove they have undertaken 10 lateral flow tests.

Shane Scragg, transport manager of Scraggs Coaches which has signed-up to the council’s testing programme, said: “We signed-up to protect our workforce, family members and the children we collect daily from our school runs.

"We are doing our part to stop the spread of coronavirus and to ensure anyone who is exposed or tested positive takes the necessary steps to ensure everyone's safety.”

City council leader Abi Brown says taxi drivers have been playing a vital part during the pandemic.

She added: "For peace of mind drivers should be getting tested regularly, just by the nature of their job they are in close contact with more people from outside their households or bubbles.

"Many taxi drivers have provided a vital service to residents during the pandemic, providing transport to key workers and transporting residents to hospital appointments and vaccination centres.”

Dr Paul Edmondson-Jones, director of adult social care, health integration and wellbeing, said: “We have worked hard to make testing accessible to all; there is no excuse whatever your job role may be to not get tested.

"Even if a driver has had the vaccine, they should still be getting tested regularly. The vaccine does not stop you spreading the virus onto others.”

And what does this mean, precisely, and the 'commitment' from the PHV firms?

Again, there's nothing in the article that actually says the PHDs will be tested regularly.

Not that I can talk, because doubt I'll be getting tested unless I have to.

But if PH firms are just using this as a PR gimmick, or council is just bouncing them into making this 'commitment' and 'backing' this without anything more specific, then it might be nothing more than the usual politicking and PR.

Basically the council wants the Hackney drivers to match their PH rivals now that two tests a week are available for free off the government

and the infection rate has dropped right down making the process a bit of a shutting stable door after type of exercise

_________________
lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector

But there's nothing concrete in the article to say the PHDs are having *any* tests. They could be having zero. 'Commitment' and 'backing' don't really mean that much beyond a soundbite in the press.

And why should HCDs get a free vehicle inspection for being tested, but PHDs don't?

Can't see Sussex being impressed

Of course it doesn't make sense, but most of the stuff councils are doing at the mo doesn't make sense.

And how much will a free taxi test weigh up to drivers having to take 10 days off work when the cheap tests don't work properly.?

_________________
IDFIMH