Northampton delivery driver raises concerns over lack of car insurance within the town's takeaway industry

A Northampton delivery driver has spoken out against their colleagues and how they are not properly insured to be on the roads, they claim.

The driver, who wishes to remain anonymous, said they have gone to the police and to the multiple food delivery companies involved in a bid to stop rogue drivers spoiling it for the legitimate ones.

The anonymous person said employees are applying for a job as a push-bike delivery driver, but once they have secured the job they start delivering the meals in their cars across the town, which they are not insured to do.

The anonymous driver said: "I have started working as a fast food delivery driver for platforms like Stuart, which covers JustEat in Northants, Uber Eats and Deliveroo. I paid for my correct fast food insurance and I am now on the road.

"The problem is on the streets [of Northampton] there are dozens of cars doing the same job without a proper insurance policy. They opened their accounts with those platforms and they declared they will deliver food using their push-bikes, which never happened - their intention was to avoid paying for insurance."

The anonymous driver said many of the uninsured drivers even admit in private that they are bending the rules.

"I got in contact with the platforms and the only thing they did was to inform me that they will investigate - that happened over a month ago.

"Meanwhile, I spotted an officer in a car park and I had a chat with him regarding this matter. He told me to call 101 and to report it online. I did both of these actions and the best police did was to let me know that they will investigate.

"If police would come to Sixfields, Weston Favell and behind McDonald's in the Drapery everyday, or if they would do some random checks, that will discourage these riders and eventually they will get insured."

The driver said they are afraid of losing their job due to speaking out, but believes they must to see any change.

They added: "Nothing is changing and, to be honest, I am really afraid to do my job anymore because it is like swimming in a lake filled with sharks. I am speaking on behalf of the drivers who pay for the correct insurance: Please help us as this is our last chance to do something."

A spokeswoman for Northamptonshire Police responded to the person's concerns, saying road safety is a priority to officers.

The spokeswoman said: "Road safety is a priority for Northamptonshire Police, with our officers taking action against drivers breaking the law on a daily basis, including those using the roads without insurance.

“All our officers are aware of the issue of uninsured drivers. If a vehicle is seen to be causing concern, officers will stop it and perform the relevant checks to ensure those driving are doing so legally and with the correct insurance in place.

The spokeswoman said the introduction of the police's ANPR-equipped interceptor fleet has enabled them to take more action than ever.

“If anyone has concerns or information about uninsured drivers, including drivers without the specific insurance required for the delivery of hot food, we encourage them to make a report to us so we can build a picture of what is happening and where, and take appropriate action.

“Specific areas of concern can then be identified and focussed patrols put in place where required. Reports can be made by calling 101 or online at www.northants.police.uk,” the spokeswoman added.

A Just Eat spokeswoman said it is a requirement for anyone driving on its behalf to be properly insured and that the company will investigate if needed.

The spokeswoman said: "For Just Eat, it’s really important that all couriers delivering on our behalf are able to work safely and we continue to offer guidance on topics such as health and safety, and road safety to support this.

“All couriers are required to have valid insurance cover in place when they start delivering on behalf of Just Eat. Whenever we are made aware of any cases that do not meet these requirements, we will always investigate and take action as needed.”

And a Deliveroo spokeswoman said the firm takes this issue "extremely" seriously.

The spokeswoman said: "Deliveroo takes this issue extremely seriously and we have clear and strict policies in place to address any breach of contract, which this would be considered.

"Safety is very important to us and we do all we can to ensure riders follow the law at all times and have the appropriate insurance for their vehicle. If we find that a rider does not have the correct insurance in place they will no longer be able to work with Deliveroo."

UberEats and Stuart, the remaining two delivery platforms with links to Northampton and mentioned by the anonymous driver, have been contacted for comment.