CRAVEN District Council is recommending the continued use of face masks in taxis and private hire vehicles from Monday, even though it will no longer be a legal requirement.

The council, which is responsible for the licensing of taxis and private hire vehicles, said it was also urging drivers to continue with the use of hand sanitiser and to leave vehicle windows open.

Tim Chadwick, the council’s licensing manager, said “ From Monday, July 19 the wearing of face masks for members of the public in vehicles is at the discretion of taxi, private hire operators and drivers as there will no longer be a legal requirement to wear them.

“However given the government have recommended to continue to wear face masks in crowded public transport we would recommend their continued use.

“We are asking drivers to continue with the cleaning regimes established during Covid, and the continued use of hand sanitiser by drivers and passengers. It is recommended drivers continue keeping windows open to reduce the risk of transmission of Covid.”

The council will also ask its own staff to wear masks in communal areas in the Belle Vue Square offices and also members of the public visiting reception.

Paul Shevlin, chief executive, said: “Staff who can, will continue to work from home wherever possible unless business needs dictate otherwise and we will review this approach again in September.

“ Even though wearing face masks indoors is not mandatory, we have a collective and corporate responsibility to keep everyone safe and so we have asked those staff who are working in the office to continue to wear face masks in common areas and whilst moving around the office.

“We will also appeal to members of the public to continue to wear face masks when they visit the customer service reception.”