Taxi Driver Online

TAXI drivers across Cherwell will have to work to stricter standards to ensure they keep their licence.

A new licensing policy, introduced by Cherwell District Council came into effect last week.

The joint Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Licensing Policy aims toNew policy aims to ensure people who use cabs “have a safe, reliable and pleasant experience”.

Among the changes is mandatory safeguarding training for drivers, stricter criminal records checks and new spoken English tests.

Driving standards is another condition of the new licence application process.

Recommendations from the Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board following reports into child sexual exploitation in Oxfordshire and in Rotherham have been included in the new rules.

Cllr Tony Ilott, Cherwell’s lead member for public protection, said: “The aim of this new policy is to ensure the safety of residents and visitors using taxis in and around the district.

“Taxis and private hire vehicles regularly transport passengers who may be vulnerable, including children and those under the influence of alcohol, so it is essential that our policy meets the highest standards to safeguard both passengers and drivers.

“With these enhanced checks and regulations, the general public can have greater confidence in using taxi drivers that have been thoroughly trained and vetted to ensure they are fit for purpose.”

A points system will keep track of taxi drivers who flout the new rules and the council will have the power to revoke licences.

Drivers applying for a licence will face “the fit and proper person test” which vets would-be cabbies for general demeanour and honesty before they get behind the wheel.

The new policy also states applications from those convicted of the most serious offences will be refused altogether and the period of good behaviour required from applicants with spent convictions for lesser offences has been increased from three to 10 years.

The council consulted on the changes last summer and they were approved by councillors just before Christmas.

n Drop-in workshops will take place for drivers to get more information on the changes, on

Monday, 30 January, and Monday, 13 February, in the council chamber at Bodicote House between 10.30am and 2pm.


Oxfordshire Guardian

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