Toyota has designed a cabin safety screen to help protect UK cab drivers and their passengers from coronavirus transmission while travelling.
The solution is the first to receive approval from Transport for London (TfL), the UK capital’s taxi licensing authority.
Made from a clear polycarbonate material designed to reduce the chances of virus transmission, the new screens are suitable for all recent Prius models and the full Corolla range.
The new accessory is said to have been tested to Toyota’s safety standards, including full deployment of the cabin airbags. Installation by Toyota-qualified technicians is required and takes about 10 minutes.
The process involves no structural changes; the screen is held in place by large tabs on its lower edge that are inserted in the front seatback pockets.
According to Toyota, testing showed that it remains securely fixed, even when driving at high speeds with the windows open.
The screen is clear and has a central opening flap for card or cash payments to be made. As well as being suitable for cabs, the system can also be used for demonstration vehicles and accompanied test drives.
Toyota liaised with TfL during the design process and the initial medium-size version is now TfL-approved as part of the requirements for its PCO licence holders.
Approval is awaited for a version suitable for larger models, including the seven-seat Prius+ and RAV4 SUV.
The screens are being made by Toyota Manufacturing UK and are available to order through Toyota retailers nationwide.
Recommended retail prices, including VAT and fitting, are £195 for the medium screen and £210 for the larger version.
Stuart Ferma, Toyota and Lexus fleet general manager, said: “Transportation services everywhere are having to be adapted to take the risk of coronavirus transmission into account.
“We recognise the particular vulnerability of cab drivers and have come up with a solution we believe is effective and reasonably priced.
“We hope that the many drivers who loyally use our vehicles across the UK will be able to make good use of the new screens.”
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