Inverness taxi operator mothballs fleet due to coronavirus crisis

An Inverness taxi operator has decided to mothball his fleet as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Andrew MacDonald, who hires taxis to self-employed drivers in the city, has said the decision is with immediate effect.

In a statement he said it was for a number of reasons including the fact that it was not possible for passengers and drivers to be separated by two metres as social distancing rules require.

He said: "I view it as irresponsible as the licence plate holder to expose the driver or the passengers to cross infection.

"Irrespective of what measures have been taken to sanitise vehicles there is no cast-iron guarantee that an infected person from one journey cannot pass on the virus to a subsequent passenger. This position will be reviewed as things progress."

He added that any drivers who have expressed an interest in registering with the firms Caley Taxis and Black Mercedes will be contacted and their details held on file until it is prudent and permissible to resume the service.

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