Leeds taxi drivers can now install temporary safety screens to protect against coronavirus

The council has a strict policy on the installation of safety screens in taxis and each individual design must be approved before they can be fitted.

But due to safety concerns for passengers and drivers during the pandemic, the council has announced today that it has temporarily relaxed this policy.

Drivers can now install their own screens without going through the usual council approval process.

All temporary screens will need to be removed when the emergency ends and the council’s policy of approving each screen design will resume.

Councillor James Lewis, deputy leader of Leeds City Council, said: “We have listened to concerns from taxi and private hire drivers and operators about keeping safe during the coronavirus pandemic and have temporarily changed our policy to reflect this.

"Of course it is our preference that each screen is checked and approved by us, but we understand that these are unprecedented times and that there are huge numbers of drivers that need to be given the freedom to act quickly for the safety of themselves and their passengers.

"After careful assessment, we are glad to be able to provide that.”

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