Vehicle manufacturer Toyota says it has developed a new safety screen to fit into the cabins of taxis, to help mitigate coronavirus transmission for taxi drivers and customers.
Transport for London (TfL), has reportedly approved the polycarbonate screen, which Toyota says can reduce the chances of virus transmission. This news came prior to the government’s annoucement, customers in private hire vehicles and taxis must wear face coverings from 23 September.
It is currently compatible with all recent Prius models and the full Corolla range, with approval pending on larger models like the seven-seat Prius+ and RAV4 SUV.
Fitting the screen, which needs to be done by a qualified technician, is said to take about ten minutes and doesn’t’ affect the structure of the vehicle or damage it’s interior.
The screen is clear and has a central opening flap for card or cash payments to be made.
Inflatable plastic isolation screens aid cab drivers, car sales and driving instructors
In futher attempts to combat this issue, an inflatable clear plastic isolation screening has been developed and launched by Dutch manufacturer, Buitink Technology. The Buitink Inflatable Car Screen (BICS) product range is available in sizes to fit most passenger cars and vans and has a worldwide patent pending and will be produced by UK manufacturer, Permali.
Permali’s Sales and Marketing Director, Fraser Rankin commented: “From the initial contact with Buitink Technology about this application, being COVID-19 PPE related, we gave this project a high priority. Within 10 working days the Permali team identified the best Tuftane grade and thickness for the application, provided sample materials and shipped the first Tuftane TFL-2Z order of 100m by 1.5 wide rolls to The Netherlands.”
The BICS vehicle isolation system is simple, versatile and practical, particularly for safe commercial use, such as in a taxi. Being a totally transparent system, driver visibility is unrestricted and the Tuftane film is thin enough to enable a passenger to hear and talk to the driver and even pay as usual through the screen by mobile phone or contactless card.
The BICS system is also proving ideal for other commercial businesses wanting to restart which need to provide personal protection from COVID-19 infection, such as car dealers wanting to offer safe vehicle viewing and test driving or for learner drivers to be able to safely go out with an instructor and driving test examiner.
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Where can I buy protective screen for my car?
Hi Ms. Creese,
We design and manufacture protective plastic vehicle screens called JourneySafe™ screens. Please visit our website for information.
Best wishes, the TechPPE Team. #staysafe #TechPPE 😷