Calls are being made for the Government to review taxi licensing regulations. Among other reasons, this can be attributed to a number of national reports of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) against licensed and unlicensed taxi firms.
The vast majority of taxi drivers are providing a safe and positive service for passengers and in many instances actually go above and beyond to assist them and ensure their safety. Unfortunately, several serious allegations have been made against a number of drivers in recent years involving CSE/safeguarding issues, which the police have investigated. This has resulted in a number of individual licenses being removed.
Drivers are often transporting vulnerable individuals and frequent establishments where looked after children reside. The safeguarding of those individuals should be paramount. It is not uncommon for passengers to develop a long-term relationship with particular drivers, where they rely on a certain driver and use them frequently for regular journeys. Existing guidelines also allow councils to set their own standards, including whether to make checks. Significantly, there is nothing to prevent applicants applying to differing local authorities after being refused elsewhere.
It is understood that the Department for Transport has announced plans for an enhanced criminal record check for drivers. This is welcomed, but while a positive move in the right direction, it needs to be complemented by other methods to strengthen existing regulations.
It is widely held that as CSE and abuse is insidious in its nature it cannot be fully eradicated. However, possible ways of reducing the threat include the following:
Of course this will have no direct effect on the numerous unlicensed drivers operating illegally across the country but hopefully tougher regulations will encourage licensed drivers and the public to spot and report offenders to the local authority and the police for action to be taken.
For advice or support please contact Sarah Swan, Legal Director.
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