Taxi Driver Online

Call for full CRB checks on Telford taxi drivers


Council chiefs today called for the law to be changed after it emerged taxi drivers only need basic CRB checks to trade in Telford.

Both councillors and officers at Telford & Wrekin Council said the safety of residents could be at risk following a change to how checks are made on Hackney and private-hire taxi drivers. It has also contacted the Department of Transport to ask it to consider changing the law.

Previously all drivers needed an enhanced CRB check but a law change in January resulted in only basic checks being required.

As it stands only taxi firms with a contract with a local authority are legally required to carry out an enhanced disclosure on drivers.

Wrockwardine councillor Jacqui Seymour said: “I’m strongly of the opinion that all drivers should have enhanced CRB checks.

“What I hadn’t realised was that the law had changed and I have to say it came as a surprise.

“A taxi driver can pick up a vulnerable or young person at any time of the day. A parent could easily call a taxi for their child who needs to get somewhere in a hurry.

“I think everyone would be a lot happier if the person driving that vehicle has undergone an enhanced disclosure.”

Councillor Roy Scammell, member for Newport North, said: “I think our primary concern has to be the people who are using these taxis.

“I think it’s a poor show by the CRB to relax these laws.”

A council spokesman said: “Telford & Wrekin Council has raised this issue with the Department for Transport and asked it to consider legislative change.

“The Criminal Records Bureau recently informed councils that enhanced CRB disclosures could only be required for drivers who transport children and vulnerable adults as part of a council social care or education contract.

“The council has been following this process since January to reflect the Criminal Records Bureau requirements,” he said.

“ While there may be compelling arguments for the enhanced level approach for all drivers, there is no legal basis for this approach,” the spokesman added.


Read more: http://www.shropshirestar.com/news/2011 ... z1fOL0d7OU

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

errm it hasn't changed.

CC

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

And I think everyone would be a lot happier if the trade wasn't run by part-timers who turn up every once in a while to spout platitutes and demonstrate their ignorance.

Except, of course, the Law Commission, the ConDem Government, the Instititue of Licensing, the NALEO, the NPHA, the LTDA, Unite, the GMB etc etc, who of course for their own reasons prefer "local decision making".

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

I'm not that sure why so many people have their knickers in a twist.

There is no time limit on Enhanced CRBs for people not changing jobs or authorising organisations.

Thus 99.9% of all licensed drivers have had a full Enhanced CRB check, and therefore they all have a current up-to-date one.

The only problems are for new trade entrants.

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IDFIMH

Consider this: A police chief might release information to a countersignatory but NOT the applicant.

This might result in a licence being refused, without a reason for refusal being given.

The "information" might well be incorrect, so how would the applicant be able to challenge it?

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Former taxi driver

FoI request to the council asking to see every piece of personal detail they have on the applicant.

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IDFIMH

News item from the Lincolnshire Echo, Dec 1st.

FORMER PCSO CHARGED WITH RAPING GIRL.

Charged, but not convicted, but never the less, the chap must have been subjected to an even higher level of check than an enhanced CRB. About as much use as a chocolate fireguard.

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Former taxi driver

That does not work. Having done deep research on the subject.

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Former taxi driver

Enhanced is the highest check the PCSO would have needed, or allowed by law.

In fact I'm not sure there is any evidence that could be gained that wouldn't appear on an Enhanced check.

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IDFIMH

You have a legal right to see every bit of data that the council hold on you. Cost you, I think, a tenner.

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IDFIMH

So you're saying let anyone become a PCSO, taxi driver, or whatever?

And you would waste that tenner.

All councils must shred their copies of CRB information.

"Must not be kept on file"

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Former taxi driver