TAXI drivers, cycle courier companies and van hire firms are working hard to keep people and deliveries moving during the coronavirus crisis.

The lockdown has made it more difficult for all companies to operate and the government has indicated that the restrictions will last for at least another three weeks.

Staff at many companies across Oxfordshire have had to adjust to the new regime but are determined to keep going to serve their customers.

Oxford Mail:

Among those firms striving to stay open throughout the crisis are Royal Cars at Isis Business Centre, Pony Road, Cowley.

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It is among the companies which are being backed by the Oxford Mail’s #StillOpeninOxfordshire campaign, which is supporting local independent businesses through the crisis.

Tariq Kiani, a controller for Royal Cars, said staff were doing their best to support key workers, including those who work for the NHS such as nursing staff fighting Covid-19.

The firm has launched an online fundraising campaign to support the fight against the virus by offering free journeys to NHS workers.

Mr Kiani said: “I am a controller at Royal Cars and would like to bring this campaign to your attention.

“Royal Cars are providing free taxis for NHS staff to and from their place of work. This is funded through donations on a Gofundme page gofundme.com/f/royal-cars-taxi-fund-for-nhs-oxfordshire.

Oxford Mail:

“We have raised over £2,439 so far and have been providing free journeys since the start of last week.

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“The management have today added another £1000 to the fund but we require more donations so that we can continue providing this service to those who are carrying out such an important function for us all.

“Please give this cause as much publicity as possible so that we can continue raising money and supporting our NHS staff.”

The fundraising page has a £5,000 limit.

It says: “Royal Cars are starting a fund for all NHS staff.

Oxford Mail:

“This will be for taxi journeys in Oxfordshire. We will be the first to donate and hopefully, the rest of Oxford will follow. All money raised will be converted to taxi journeys that they can use to travel to any surgery or Hospitals based in Oxfordshire.

“100% of your donation will go to the fund, Royal Cars will NOT profit from your donations.”

Oxford Mail:

At the same time 001 Taxis in West Oxford is working hard to help customers during the lockdown. It has launched an app-based contact-free service delivering grocery shopping, medicines, takeaway and other services.

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Senior manager Aaron Singh said earlier: “Many of our passengers are NHS staff and key workers, and it is clear they will need all of our help in the days and weeks to come.”

Oxford Mail:

Other delivery companies working through lockdown include cycle courier firms Pedal & Post, Oxwash, and TVR Self Drive van hire in Kidlington.