Drivers and Operators across Stevenage are being offered free online training to keep themselves and their passenger’s safe during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Those Drivers who successfully complete the course and become accredited can display ‘Travel with Confidence’ stickers in their taxi or Private Hire Vehicle.

In addition to becoming accredited and being able to display the stickers, those who complete the course will qualify for £100 reimbursement towards the cost of a screen to separate the driver and passengers, further reducing the risk of infection.

Taxi’s and Private Hire vehicles are often used by the most vulnerable, quite often travelling to and from hospital appointments. The aim of the scheme is to protect not only the vulnerable and members of the travelling public, but also to ensure the safety of the drivers who may be more vulnerable to the serious effects of COVID-19 because they are Black, Asian, from a Minority Ethnic background, their age or an underlying health issue.

We would like to encourage people to look out for the ‘Travel with Confidence’ accreditation mark on licensed vehicles or ask for an accredited driver when booking a vehicle and make a safer choice when deciding how to travel.

What does the 'Travel with Confidence' mark mean?

When drivers and operators display the 'Travel with Confidence' sticker, it shows that they have gained a safety accreditation by completing specialist training and risk assessments in order to minimise the spread of infection.

Drivers and operators should be able to do the following:

• Understand how to keep passengers safe during the Covid-19 outbreak.
• Be expected to demonstrate and maintain cleanliness and infection control.
• Explain to passengers the measures taken to reduce risk.

We carry out checks to make sure that the 'Travel with Confidence' standards are maintained.

How to become Accredited

Licenced drivers or operators who would like to get accredited can email, licensing@stevenage.gov.uk.

Face coverings

Passengers must wear a face covering when travelling in a taxi. Passengers who refuse to wear a face covering can be asked to leave the vehicle and fixed penalty notices can be handed out to passengers who do not comply.

Taxi Complaints and Feedback

If you have recently used a taxi that displayed the 'Travel with Confidence' mark but feel that the standards were below your expectations, please provide details of the driver or the vehicle.

Please also make sure that you have the following information:

• Plate Number
• Car Registration
• Driver Badge Number
• Taxi Company