COVID-19 INFOMATION FOR THE MEDWAY TRADE

This is a dedicated page to assist Medway drivers with the latest information from Medway Licensing and how it will effect our interaction with them.

The MLTDA team will update this page as and when information is recieved.

Please remember that the MLTDA team are still here for members during these challenging times and are continuously working behind the scenes with the trades best interest at heart.

Urgent notice from Licensing regarding changes to sevices due to COVID-19

All plating appointments have been suspended until further notice as a precautionary measure in light of the growing concerns relating to the spread of Coronavirus.

Your plates will now be sent to you in the post.

Due to internal staffing pressures it is essential you apply online to renew your licence at least 2 WEEKS IN ADVANCE to ensure you receive your new plate and licence prior to expiry of your current licence to enable you to continue using your vehicle for hire and reward.

If you are applying for a new licence, you need to be as proactive as possible by applying online for your licence in advance of the delivery of your vehicle.

There obviously is limitations and your co-operation will assist in minimising any disruption for Licensing and their team.

Knowledge Tests

All knowledge tests have been suspended until further notice following the cancellation of 3rd party bookings by Mid-Kent College (where our tests are held) as a precautionary measure in light of the growing concerns relating to the spread of Coronavirus. Licensing apologise for any inconvenience this causes.

Medway Council website has been updated accordingly and you are advised check periodically for new test dates.

Important statement from DVLA regarding your vehicle MOT

Due to the unfolding COVID-19 situation, cars and vans and motorcycles due their MOT from 30 March 2020 will have their MOT extended by 6 months.

This will continue until confirmed otherwise.

Vehicles must be kept in a roadworthy condition and drivers can be prosecuted if they drive an unsafe vehicle.

Information on Medway vehicle licenses and what drivers MUST do

During this difficult time with COVID-19, licensing are suspending the requirement for vehicle interim inspectiins, until furthur notice.

If your vehicle licence is due for re-newal, you must continue to submit your application and payment online. Licensing then will provide you with the paper licence along with further instructions

All licensing staff at the Civic Centre during this time will be working from home.

If any driver therefore has furthur queries regarding their vehicle plate please send them to licensing@gravesham.gov.uk

Alternativelly please contact one of the MLTDA team.

DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT

Latest Press Release 25/03/2020

Please see the following for information on the current situation regarding the continued working of taxis and private hire vehicles:

Taxis and private hire vehicles CAN continue to work. But the advice is absolutely clear - people should stay at home if possible. That is the way to save lives and protect our NHS. The public should avoid travel unless absolutely essential. The only reasons to leave our houses are set out in the government guidance.

Clearly if absolutely necessary to travel by taxi or private hire vehicle, best efforts should be used to follow the guidance as far as is practically possible, including washing your hands as soon as you get home.

Critical Worker Status

Taxi and private hire drivers should not generally be considered Critical Workers. Those undertaking Home to School transport or the transport of ‘extremely vulnerable’ people may be considered Critical Workers on a case-by-case basis. Critical Workers should also whenever possible make suitable arrangements for their children to stay at home; requests for children to attend school should be discussed with the school.”

Advice from National Prive Hire and Taxi Assosiation

With regards the taxi and private hire trade and their ability to continue working.....

The public transport industry, including our trade, is listed within the "key workers" list, so you can still work and as such your children are entitled to stay in schools but ONLY if necessary.

BUT this DOES NOT include sitting on ranks waiting for work (hackney carriages) for two reasons

1. It could be seen as an encouragement for people to ignore the lock-down and come out on the off chance there will be a taxi on rank

2 It could be seen as a "gathering of 2 or more people" as per the prime ministers instructions as of 8.30pm last night

So the message is Be Safe, Be Careful, Stay Healthy, and ONLY WORK IF YOU MUST....