Self-employed delivery drivers in Harrogate say tensions are rising with rival drivers coming into the area to make money during lockdown, despite the risk of spreading covid.
The Stray Ferret has spoken to four Harrogate delivery drivers about the issue. One said the situation has led to drivers coming to blows.
The local drivers say about 30 drivers from areas such as Leeds and Bradford are coming to Harrogate each day for work. They added this didn’t occur before lockdown.
Delivery drivers are able to travel during lockdown but the ones we spoke to in Harrogate said this posed covid risks, as well as threatening the earnings of locals.
The drivers are self-employed and work on apps to find takeaway deliveries near to them. Whoever responds first to the notifications on the app gets to deliver the order.
They are paid per job and Harrogate is regarded as a better location to make money than many larger nearby places.
The drivers have reported their grievances to Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire Police. Both told the Stray Ferret it wasn’t a matter for them.
‘Spreading the virus’
One local driver, Christian Mihailpo, said:
“I am afraid for Harrogate because they could be spreading the virus.
“I have spoken to some of the drivers and they have just said they don’t understand the issue. We can travel for our jobs but they shouldn’t be doing this in the lockdown.”
Another of the drivers, who wished to remain anonymous, said:
“I have health issues myself so it is a worry. We just want to work safely. I would say I’ve lost between 60-70 per cent of earnings because there’s not enough to cover everyone that is working here now.”
He added it was causing tension and a clear divide was emerging between local and outside drivers.
All the drivers said this issue has worsened during the current lockdown and that they were losing income because of it.
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Losing money
They added some of the drivers from outside Harrogate often call family or friends to work here.
Local driver Ali Mahyrt said:
“We aren’t happy about what is happening and we want to try and stop it. We are losing money but our health is impacted too.
“I understand they need to make money but they should take into account local people’s health.”
Victor Foca, who is also based locally, added:
“The regulations should mean they stay in their home city. The risk is when they go to houses to deliver food.”