Excel Executive Safety Policy for COVID-19

Working with you to ensure safe and healthy journeys.

The aim of this policy is to outline and undertake the guidelines issued from UK medical authorities, PCO (our licensing authority) and the Department of Transport to protect and limit the risk of infection to passengers, drivers and Excel Executive staff.

The Risk

The transmission of COVID-19 to both passenger(s) and driver and the inability to maintain the two-metre social distancing guidance during transit.

The Objective

To maintain the health and safety of passengers, drivers and Excel Executive staff and to maintain social distancing wherever possible between individuals when in vehicles. To keep vehicles as clean as possible when in use for bookings.

The Requirement

Avoid multi -occupancy vehicles where safe to do so. Vehicles should not be shared, but where this is not the case Excel Executive passenger occupancy guide is as follows:

  • Standard saloon/Passenger/Business Class/Executive/Chauffeur - 2 passengers
  • MPV - 4 passengers
  • Premium MPV - 5 passengers

There will be no front seat passengers permitted at any time.

Passengers should be encouraged to sit in the left hand side of vehicle of a standard saloon.

We would expect all passengers to comply with Transport for London (TFL) Notice 08/20 Update 6 for Private Hire and Taxi operators -

“Passengers are being advised by Transport for London that they should wear face coverings when travelling by taxi or private hire vehicle for the duration of the journey. However, face coverings should not be used by children under the age of three or those who may find it difficult to manage them correctly. For example, primary age children unassisted, or those with respiratory conditions. Disabled people and those with breathing difficulties are also exempt from wearing a face covering. If a passenger is not wearing a face covering, then taxi and private hire drivers can refuse to carry them, taking into account any mitigating circumstances such as the age of the child. The driver should explain to the passenger that they are required to wear a face covering while travelling in a taxi or PHV.”

 

Our Actions

  • Our drivers have been advised by all available mediums to take extra precautions in terms of their own and their passenger’s health. They will be reminded and updated on a regular basis. 
  • Drivers will be equipped with an Excel Executive Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) pack that includes a supply of face masks and latex gloves. Both should be changed on a regular basis. The supply will be replenished when presenting vehicles for scheduled quality and maintenance inspections.
  • Use the company provided cleansing spray or a pre-approved personal alternative to wipe down the vehicle prior to work and on completion of each booking. Focus on cleaning the common areas in the passenger section such as the seat covering and internal and external handles.
  • Ventilate the vehicle at every opportunity when in between bookings.
  • Vehicles will undergo a thorough deep clean using the long lasting spray bath when presented for the regular quality and maintenance check.
  • Drivers should carry and use a hand sanitiser and use on a regular basis. Whenever the opportunity arises Drivers should wash their hands in line with NHS advice.
  • Private Hire drivers are identified as key workers and are entitled to testing for COVID19. COVID19 tests should be carried out on a frequent basis and confirmation of testing should be reported to the fleet department. Time out will be provided for drivers to undergo the COVID19 test.
  • Drivers are encouraged to continually check their health and follow the current guidelines as provided by the NHS and government. Any symptoms are to be reported to the fleet department at the earliest sign of illness.
  • No complimentary water, confectionary or tissues are to be provided for passengers during the COVID19 period.
  • The fleet office will record all driver information relating to COVID19 checks as detailed on the CAB9 system.
  • Drivers that report symptoms of COVID19 are to de-activated from work allocation until a COVD19 test has been carried out.
  • If the test is positive the driver is to follow the NHS guidelines and will remain deactivated until there is an improvement in health, the minimum isolation period has been completed and a further COVD19 test is completed with a negative result.
  • If the test is negative the details of the test should be recorded on the driver file.
  • The operations team must confirm that drivers have a supply of PPE and sanitising spray before starting their shift. Drivers should report to the fleet office if their supply of PPE runs low and they cannot obtain their own personal supply.
  • Drivers reporting to the office for vehicle inspections will arrive at the specified time and will maintain the two metre social distancing rule whilst the inspection and cleaning is carried out.
  • Members of the fleet team are to be equipped with PPE for vehicle inspections and the cleaning process. Gloves are to be disposed of and changed on completion of every vehicle inspection.
  • Drivers who are returning to the country from an overseas break from any of the known infected areas should self isolate and will be frozen from the work portal until such time has been completed.

Staff Safeguarding

Staff have been advised to take extra precautions for the sake of their own and their colleagues’ health. We advise the use of tissues and hand sanitisers and to increase the frequency with which they wash their hands, especially those that make use of public transport and make use of common work areas.

Face to face meetings are to be restricted unless absolutely essential and use of other communication mediums to interact with suppliers, clients and drivers should be considered first.

All staff have been briefed on the symptoms and the process of self isolation.

 

Our Clients

We will communicate all information affecting our services to our clients using all available mediums. We are aware that our clients will have advised their own staff and guests to take suitable precautions. In the event that a passenger from one of our clients  is diagnosed with the virus and who has travelled in one of our vehicles, we would expect the client to notify us accordingly.

Should  you require any further information with regard to our actions, please contact:

Martin Williams - Sales & Account Director

020 7536 0003 

mrwilliams@excelexec.co.uk