Addison Lee has launched its Vaccination Drive initiative, which sees the company offering discounted rides to and from major vaccination hubs in and around London.

Based on anticipated volumes and demand for the jab, Addison Lee expects to provide discounts worth more than £200,000 in value between now and Easter. 

The offer will benefit Londoners travelling to receive their vaccinations, as well as the army of vaccine volunteers signed up to support the rollout.

Anyone travelling to or from the vaccination hubs at Excel Centre, Wembley Olympic Office Centre or Epsom Racecourse can use the code DRIVE25 to claim 25% off their ride. All journeys in Addison Lee's standard fleet are protected by the company's Safer Journey Initiative, which includes safety screens in every car, trained drivers who clean touchpoints after every journey and seven seats to allow social distancing.

The Vaccination Drive will continue over the coming months, helping the government reach its targets for the first phase of vaccinations, while also providing ongoing support as the programme is rolled out to the wider population. Addison Lee is also speaking to government and local health trusts to explore how its 4,000 strong fleet can be used to deliver more targeted, tailored support where it is needed most.

The initiative follows the company’s Donate a Ride campaign in the first lockdown, which saw more than 9,000 free rides provided to NHS workers on the frontline. The offer also aims to keep drivers’ wheels turning during the third lockdown when only a small number of essential journeys are being made.

Liam Griffin, CEO of Addison Lee, said: “While we do our bit by staying at home, there is an army of NHS staff and volunteers out there working tirelessly to roll out the vaccination programme. Coupled with the lockdown measures, the vaccination provides the country with the best chance of getting through this pandemic and we want to support that effort.

“We understand that not everyone feels safe using public transport and at this stage many people receiving the vaccine are vulnerable. Our cars have been the choice for Londoners wanting to travel safely during the pandemic, and we're using the discount so as many people as possible can travel to and from the vaccination centres in a safe and secure way. 

“We all want to get through this lockdown and open London up again in the safest possible way, and we hope that our support for the vaccination programme will inch us a little closer to that goal.”