Covid 19 - Safer Transport Guidance for Passengers

Passenger Safety Information and Travel Tips

At Kingfisher our number one priority is always the safety and wellbeing of our passengers and colleagues.

The vehicle will be sanitised before, and after, every passenger journey.

This exceeds the current guideline which recommends cleaning only after the journey and not before. It would not be practical for taxis, minicabs and other busier services to adhere to our double-ended cleaning approach. One of the key differences between regular private hire vehicles and our services, is that of foot-fall in vehicles. 

Our cars, even in the busiest periods, rarely carry more than two passengers on any single day.

During the pandemic, we will be very fortunate to get even one journey in a day. This is obviously not a great time for any of us, but the travel industry has taken quite a steep dive. Staying positive, this does allow us to take greater care with the clean.

The vehicle will be given at least one all over general clean per working day. Plus, a touch points focused disinfectant clean before and after any journey.

Our goal is to make every journey a pleasure and as safe as possible. You will only enjoy the journey if you are relaxed. Confident the chauffeur, has washed his hands, vehicle and is doing everything possible to keep you safe. Trust your safety with us and let us protect you on your travels. Trust is earned, but you can relax before, during and after your journey with Kingfisher.

What you should expect when travelling with Kingfisher during the pandemic

When contacting us about a booking you will be asked a series of questions to ensure that you are safe to travel. This is to protect both yourself and your chauffeur.

Additionally, the process prior to, and arriving at your destination, has been modified to protect yourself and your chauffeur.

Note: This information has been prepared based on, and following, the advice of Public Health England, the UK Government, Transport for London and the Public Carriage Office.

When travelling, you should:

• Please wear a face covering in the vehicle. (Your chauffeur will wear one)
• Keep two metres apart from others where possible
• Wash your hands before and after your journey
• Carry with you and use hand sanitiser
• When possible, sit in the back, on the left – Our advice is to enter the vehicle via the near-side rear passenger door (diagonally opposite the driver) and to sit in the near- side rear passenger seat for the duration of the journey. This is the maximum distance you can be from your driver. Helping to reduce airborne transmission of coronavirus.
• Keep windows down a touch. This helps improves airflow through the vehicle. We recommend, subject to conditions, that windows are kept open slightly.
• The latest thinking is that good ventilation may help reduce the risk of the transmission of the Coronavirus. Air conditioning must be set to extract and not recirculate the air within the vehicle (where possible). 

How we make your journey safer:

• Cleaning regularly-touched objects and surfaces (like door handles, handrails and seat belt clips) more often than usual using standard cleaning products.
• Supply standard cleaning products for regular cleaning and making sure there are adequate disposal arrangements for used cleaning products.
• Clearing workspaces, removing and appropriately disposing of waste and removing belongings from the vehicle at the end of each journey.
• Supplying hand sanitiser and tissues for passengers.

Overview

Our Three safety stages

Stage 1

Questions Prior to booking:-

What have been your travel movements over the last 2 weeks?

Have you experienced any of the following?

• High temperature
• Loss of taste or smell
• New continuous cough which means coughing a lot more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough your cough is worse than usual)
• If you have experienced any of the COVID-19 symptoms we will advise you to stay at home and self-isolate for a minimum of 7 days. We would not be able to fulfil your journey.
• If you have recently returned from a known COVID-19 epicentre we would recommend that you travel in 7 days’ time.
• The COVID-19 epicentre changes regularly and Kingfisher will make a decision on whether to take your booking based on the latest COVID-19 epicentre updates.

Stage 2

Leaving for your journey.

• Your chauffeur will contact you by SMS when he is outside your pick-up location
• They will request that you leave all luggage at the entrance to your location
• Your chauffeur will use sanitised gloves to place your luggage into the vehicle (Your chauffeur will manage all your luggage until you reach your destination)
• For airport / docks / railway station pick-ups – your chauffeur will take the luggage trolley from you at the first available opportunity
• We request all Clients wear a mask.
• Your chauffeur will also offer you hand sanitiser and disposable tissues will available if required.

Stage 3

Entering and leaving the vehicle

• Your door will be opened for you by your chauffeur
• Your chauffeur will advise you to sit directly behind the front passenger seat (whenever possible)
• Your chauffeur will close your door
• On arrival at your destination your passenger door will be opened by the chauffeur, please exit the vehicle
• Your chauffeur will ask you where you want your luggage depositing and place it accordingly

What not to expect

• Newspapers and magazines in your vehicle
• Any physical contact with your chauffeur, your chauffeur will not greet you with a handshake nor bid your goodbye with a hand shake
• Any contact with the exterior of the vehicle, doors will opened/closed by your chauffeur

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Should I wear a face covering when I travel?

A: Yes, you are required to wear a face covering for the duration of the journey (including entry and exit of the vehicle). But should not be used by children under the age of three, or by people who may find them difficult to manage correctly. Disabled people and those with breathing difficulties are also exempt from wearing a face covering. If you do not have your own, we will be happy to offer you one on departure or arrival.

All passengers should remember that good personal hygiene practices are seen as the most effective response to the virus with the Government advising that people should wash their hands often and for at least 20 seconds with soap, using warm water if available.

Q: Where is the safest place to sit in an executive car?

A: Behind the driver, to the left if possible. Sorry, we must insist on one car per passenger, unless passengers are all from the same household.

Q: Can we collect prescriptions and do household shopping?

A: Yes. During this difficult time have gone above and beyond ‘typical’ client requirements, offering exemplary levels of customer service. And have happily collected our client’s prescriptions and done their household shopping for them.

Q: Can you provide transportation for our “Staycation” Holiday?

A: Yes. Lockdown has given many of us itchy feet. We can provide you with a stylish chauffeur driven getaway car. Your butler, on wheels. A private driver. Old-school charm but at a social distance. To help you craft moments and memories. Rare and tailored, transformative travel experiences. From ultra-chic chalets in the Lake District to luxury lake cabins in the Cotswolds.

Journey with us through our very own green and pleasant land. Chasing convenience, nostalgia or maybe just delighted to just be out of the house. Still, we wonder: Will those childhood memories of Cornwall still evoke the same sense of wonder, or will we have to redefine and reinvent that summer haze? Journey with us to discover for yourself. To find your safe hideaway, glamorous getaway

Q: Can we transport workers to and from hospitals?

A: Yes.

Q: Can we drive passengers of ill health in and out of hospital?

A: Yes, but people should not use our chauffeur service if:

• They have symptoms of COVID-19, such as a new, continuous cough or a high temperature
• If anyone in their household are self-isolating due to experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.

Q: Can we carry passengers with accessibility issues while maintaining social distancing?

A: We will do all we can to assist disabled passengers. We will follow the guidance and advice on measures that chauffeurs and passengers can take when it is not possible to maintain proper social distancing. Please discuss your requirements with us.

Q: Can we transport people to and from airports?

A: Absolutely. We offer a seamless meet and greet airport transfer service.

Q: Can we supply and drive funeral cars for passengers?

A: Yes. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. We have since inception offered chauffeur-driven funeral cars and limousines for passengers. We do not provide hearses or other funeral services, apart from supplying wreaths or fulfilling other personal passenger requests. Please discuss your requirements with us.

Contact us to book your chauffeur-driven travel or learn more about our safety protocols.