Suggestions, please ...

Are you able to drive yourself! That way maybe you could hire a car. If it has to be a taxi I would think a smaller firm might be safer than a big one, though an Uber would be so much cheaper! You cannot enough safety at all, all you can do is hope for the best! Good luck in your new home.

Thanks, Midgey. Unfortunately I can't drive myself as I had to give up my car due to double vision (diagnosed about the same time as I gave up my home and my marriage!). I'm going to talk to all local cab firms to try and find one that sanitizes their vehicles in between clients. Don't know what else I can do!

If available in your area, perhaps a black cab would be safer as you would be partitioned off from the driver. If not, wear mask and gloves and sit behind the passenger seat, not the driver's. Good luck.

Other than being given a lift a taxi is your only option. Make enquiries and decide which suits you best, and hope that you and your cat are very happy in your new home.
When we moved from London we all sat in the back of the furniture van. That was a long time ago. Good luck.

Congratulations b1zzle on the move you must be very excited. I think I would ring a few firms and ask what Covid arrangements they are making (or look at their websites). another thing you might try is private ambulance/transport firms who will have rigorous procedures in place. Good Luck.

Another recommendation to go by black cab from me.

Can the cat go in the removal van in its cat box and someone meet it the other end, and you go by train or National Express coach? Not sure if removal men are allowed to transport live animals though.

When you book your taxi make sure there is a screen between driver and passenger and the driver wears a mask. I believe many taxis are doing this now.

Also, if you can, prepay so no need to speak to the driver more than necessary or handle money.

Congratulations on completing on your move.

You could travel by train and take the cat on the train, sedated in a cat box. My sister has done that.
However, that wouldn’t solve your virus concerns.
I think a taxi is the best option.

I also recommend speaking to your vet about sedation for your cat, which will help it to cope with the journey and the upheaval at both ends.

Wishing you and puss happiness in your new home.

I'd definitely try and go by train if at all possible. Partly for economy and also because, unless you are very unlucky, you won't have to sit as close to anyone as you will in a taxi.

I wish you happiness in your new home. Hope the cat settles too.

Maybe even compare cost of taxi vs 1st class train ?
But I’m sure the taxi driver would be wearing a mask

I am sure a taxi would be alright, my daughter has been using one all through lockdown.

Blzzle. Take some antiseptic wipes. Wear gloves to get in the taxi (and a face mask all the way).

Sit in the back. Wipe down all the bits you are likely to touch.

I had to fly 2 weeks ago. I did this on the plane. Doesn't totally eliminate risk but it helps.

Keep the mask on religiously. Masks also stop you from touching your face, reducing the risk even further.

London black cab..... extremely clean at all times ... bigger than most taxis.... and have a partition.! And to top it all they are very comfortable. Might cost a smidgen more... but it’s what I’d do! Good luck!

I’d look at the rail option. I’m guessing the trains would be quieter at the moment? If first class is affordable I’d opt for that as more likely to get a seat more socially distanced from others. All the very best for your move!

Have you spoken to your removal company? You might be able to travel up front with the driver - they are normally well spaced apart from each other and then offer to pay petrol costs for his assistant to follow in a car? It's got to be cheaper than a taxi?
Do you have a friend who has a people carrier where you can sit at the back?

.... and if in a cab, keep the windows open to allow fresh air to circulate. It might be chilly but it's healthier.

I know Uber cars are popular for their cheapness. However there is a reason they can cut prices you will find they are not regulated in the same way licensed private hire and hackney cabs are. Licensed firm’s vehicles have to be tested every six months the drivers are tested and I have to prove that they are insured to carry passengers.

I know many people use them and everything has been fine but what happens if it isn’t ok?

Someone suggested train / coach - cat can go with you in its basket.

I've tried to book a train. No trains available to book between Newcastle and London. I contacted Trainline and they said operators are only releasing train timetables very near to the date.

I'm probably going to have to rent a car instead

I once took my cat wearing a cat harness - the cat, not me - on a long coach journey. She spent most of the time asleep either under the seat or on my lap. A train is even better and much cheaper than the normal fare if you are able to use a split ticket, and even cheaper if you have a rail card. A taxi would be my last resort.

For next week. NOTHING from Heathrow airport to Newcastle (change in London).

Get one of those plastic face guards to wear over an ordinary face mask which will help you to avoid touching your face and take hand sanitiser with you. I am sure you will be fine and good luck in your new home.

Could you put a plea out to friends and family for a lift? If you could pay their fuel, people will often help when you
least expect it. Or your local fb group, or even try asking if anyone from a group like round table would help. Finally if you have any link with the armed forces ask SSAFFA for help.