Where Are The Riders In The UK? December 2020
At INSHUR we look for ways to help Uber drivers to increase their trips and earnings by revealing where the crowds are. England’s national lockdown has expired, but with different regulations for Scotland and Wales, as well as the local tier restrictions to navigate, identifying reliable rider hotspots and pickup locations is still a challenge for private hire drivers.
From local restrictions to the student travel window and Christmas travel period, as well as events confirmed to be happening this month – scroll down to find out where the riders could be across the UK this December.
The following information is correct at the time of writing on 3rd December. But before you go, be sure to check the latest on local restrictions from official government sources: England, Scotland and Wales.
England’s Local Restriction Tiers
From 2nd December different tiers of restrictions apply in different parts of England, which will be reviewed and potentially revised by Government on 16th December. There are three tiers of local restrictions:
- Tier 1 (medium alert)
- Tier 2 (high alert)
- Tier 3 (very high alert)
Click here to see the full list of local restriction tiers by area.
There are certain businesses and venues that can remain open in all tiers, so the following list could be a good place to start identifying rider hotspots:
- Essential and non-essential retail, including indoor and outdoor markets and car boot sales.
- Leisure and sporting facilities such as gyms, sports courts and facilities, leisure centres, fitness and dance studios, golf courses, swimming pools, riding centres, outdoor playgrounds – subject to the relevant social contact rules in each tier.
- Personal care and close contact services, such as hairdressers and barbers, beauty salons, tattoo parlours, nail salons, spas and beauty services, massage parlours and tanning salons.
- Public buildings, such as libraries, community centres and halls.
- Essential public services such as the NHS and medical services, courts, and jobcentre plus sites.
- Places of worship – communal worship can now resume, subject to relevant social contact rules in each tier.
TOP TIP
Sporting events in Tiers 1 & 2 are allowed to welcome back a limited number of fans:
- Outdoor sports – a capacity of 4,000 in Tier 1, and 2,000 in Tier 2.
- Indoor sports – a maximum capacity of 1,000 spectators in both Tier 1 and 2.
University Travel Window
A student travel window has been granted between 3rd and 9th December, whereby national restrictions will be lifted as England’s university students are asked to return home for the winter break during this period (should they wish to do so). University campuses, halls and their local train stations could be a good bet to get those trips up early this month.
Scotland and Wales have also recently set out their plans for students returning home.
UK’s Christmas Travel Period
Taxi ridership hit an all-time low this year and continues to fluctuate, but trips are likely to increase between 23rd and 27th December as people will be able to travel between tiers and all nations of the UK to form their Christmas bubble.
Airlines have reported a boost in flight demand for December and are also increasing the number of seats on offer for domestic travel. So airports such as Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham and Stansted could be a reliable source of trips this festive season.
Click here for more information on all you need to know about UK airports during COVID-19.
London Events
Hackney Christmas Market
Where: Bohemia Place, London
When: Across three weekends – 05/6th, 12/13th, 19/20th December
Times: Midday until 7.00pm
Insider’s scoop: A family-friendly event filled with food stalls, Christmas gift stalls, present wrapping workshops, and more. There’s bound to be a number of full bellies, tired little legs, and arms full of shopping bags that will likely opt for a ride home.
LIVE AT BOXPARK!
Where: BOXPARK, Wembley
When: Every Saturday, 5th/19th/26th December
Times: 7.00 – 10.00pm
Insider’s scoop: A popular venue with plenty of events. Saturday 5th December is already sold out, so that’s definitely a date to consider driving in the area.
Birmingham Events
Santa’s Winter Wonderland
Where: Snowdome, Leisure Island, Tamworth
When: Wednesday 16th December – Saturday 3rd January (excluding 25th Dec)
Times: Between 9.00am and 8.30pm, 90-minute sessions advised to arrive 30 minutes before the session begins.
Insider’s scoop: The nearest, best-connected public transport is Birmingham International Station. But that’s still over 10 miles away, so trip requests to and from the train station are likely – particularly with the youngest member of the family in tow.
Coventry Glides
Where: Coventry Cathedral Ruins
When: Friday 4th December – Saturday 10th January (excluding 25th Dec)
Times: Sessions are 1-hour long, and times vary by day/date. Check out the website for more info on opening times.
Insider’s scoop: There is no parking at Cathedral Ruins, but visitors can be dropped off/picked up at University Square and Priory Lane.
Manchester Events
Lightopia Festival
Where: Heaton Park, Greater Manchester
When: Runs every day through to Saturday 3rd January (excluding 25th Dec)
Times: 5.00-10.00pm, last entry is 8.30pm
Insider’s scoop: Car parking spaces are expensive and very limited, so expect people to rely on public and private hire transport.
Escape to Freight Island
Where: Mayfield Depot, Greater Manchester
When: Thursday 3rd December – Saturday 24th January
Times: 10.00am – 10.00pm
Insider’s scoop: This is the UK’s largest, fully outdoor heated winter venue. So even with reduced capacity to accommodate social distancing, expect a good daily turnout.
Glasgow Events
Glasgow currently falls under Level 4 on Scotland’s local protection levels. This is the highest level and prohibits many non-essential and indoor activities. However, as an indication of potential rider pickup spots, click here to find out what is and isn’t allowed to stay open in the area.
Sources:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/55010011
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/guidance-for-the-christmas-period
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hackney-christmas-market-tickets-126705959937?aff=ebdssbcitybrowse
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/live-at-boxpark-tickets-120541144809?aff=ebdssbcitybrowse
https://www.snowdome.co.uk/santas-winter-wonderland/
https://coventry2021.co.uk/what-s-on/coventry-glides/
https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-protection-levels/pages/protection-level-4/
