TOUGH new licensing standards for taxis and private hire vehicles are being brought in by the Government.
The new Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards, which local authorities will be expected to implement, are designed to improve consistency in the licensing system, and reduce the risk of harm posed to children and vulnerable passengers in the process.
There’ll be criminal record checks for drivers every six months, and safeguarding training to help drivers identify and respond to passengers that may be being abused or exploited.
Licensing authorities will be asked to consider whether the use of CCTV would be beneficial or proportionate in their areas, while taking into account potential privacy issues.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: ’We know the majority of drivers provide an important and safe service for communities, but in light of appalling incidents in places like Rochdale, Oxford, Newcastle and Rotherham, more must be done to protect passengers from those who abuse their position of trust.
’That’s why we’re looking to licensing authorities to enforce these rigorous new standards – ensuring drivers are fit to transport passengers in a safe environment and to stop those who aren’t.
’We expect all licensing authorities to implement the standards and won’t hesitate to introduce legislation if they don’t fulfil their responsibilities to keep the public safe.’
All drivers applying for a licence will now be required to disclose if they hold or have previously held a licence in another area. Local authorities will also now have to have robust reporting systems in place, says the Government, to make sure passengers feel comfortable reporting incidents or suspicious behaviour.