Addison Lee has now deployed TfL-approved safety screens across its entire Ford Galaxy and VW Sharan MPV fleet – helping to keep passengers protected during the pandemic.

Addison Lee has introduced TfL-approved safety screens across 100% of its Ford Galaxy and VW Sharan fleet

The private hire giant has been working to ensure its full fleet of around 4,000 vehicles feature protective screens to keep both passengers and drivers safe as part of its Safer Journey Initiative; it announced in late summer that it was working with Ford to deploy bespoke screens and it’s now ensuring protection for its VW Sharan fleet too.

The screens are being installed by qualified technicians and have undergone comprehensive testing to meet all Transport for London’s (TfL) Private Hire Regulations. Addison Lee announced in May that it was installing partition screens but TfL’s introduction in June of retrospective guidance for the installation of safety screens in PHVs meant they needed to be removed.

Addison Lee says it’s the only PHV operator in London to offer this unique protection to passengers and drivers in their vehicles.

Other work by Addison Lee has seen it provide drivers with personal protective equipment; ensure regular electrostatic disinfection of vehicles and facilitate social distancing using the rear seats of its seven-seater vehicles.

CEO Liam Griffin said: “Right from the start of the pandemic, Addison Lee has led the industry in safety and hygiene and prioritised the health of drivers and passengers. We have invested hundreds of thousands of pounds to design, test, manufacture and install safety screens across our entire Ford Galaxy and VW Sharan fleet. No other PHV provider can offer their passengers or drivers such a level of protection.

“Over the summer the industry has been plagued by negative stories about safety, with some companies allowing unlicensed and uninsured journeys to take place. Passenger and driver safety are core to our business, and we are proud to introduce another industry-leading safety initiative.”