WORCESTER City Council have asked people for their views on plans for safeguarding training to be made compulsory for taxi and private drivers.
The training is designed to help drivers identify and respond if a passenger shows signs of being abused or in a difficult situation and can reduce the risk of harm to children, young people and adults who may be vulnerable.
The council is proposing that drivers undertake safeguarding refresher training every three years – upon the renewal of their licence.
Coun Richard Udall, the chair of Worcester City Council’s licensing and environmental health committee, said: “City taxi drivers play an important role in helping people to move around Worcester.
“It is important that all taxi drivers receive the latest safeguarding training to keep themselves and their customers safe.
“We would like to hear from taxi drivers and private hire vehicle trades members about the proposals.
“The views of groups across Worcester would also be welcome, whether they be from transport, community, business or welfare sectors.
“Taxi drivers play an important role in taking people home at the end of a night out and we would like to also hear the thoughts from any night-time economy groups about the proposal.”
The proposal comes after the Department for Transport issued new statutory guidance to taxi and private hire licensing authorities in 2020.
The results will be considered by the City Council’s Licensing and Environment Committee in October.
If given the green light, then the mandatory training would be enforced from January, 1 2025.
