Taxi Driver Online

Nine taxi drivers suspended for not completing training on how to spot child sex abuse

Nine taxi drivers have had their licences suspended and a further three have been revoked after they did not complete training on how to spot signs of child sexual exploitation. All hackney carriage and private hire drivers licensed by North Tyneside Council must undergo child sexual exploitation (CSE) awareness training.

Hundreds of cabbies have completed the course however, the council’s latest figures show that nine drivers have recently been suspended after they failed to complete the training and three have had their licences revoked. The three drivers whose licences were withdrawn have not appealed against the decision so they are no longer in the trade. The authority says it is vital that taxi drivers complete the training, which is free, so they know how to help safeguard young and vulnerable people.

Coun John Harrison, the authority’s cabinet member for housing and transport, said: “Drivers can play an important role in helping to safeguard vulnerable people as they may see, hear or recognise situations or behaviour that may be of concern. “It’s why we’ve ensured licensed drivers undergo awareness training to help in the prevention of sexual exploitation and know how to report it.”

The CSE training for existing drivers began in September 2015. A number of face-to-face training sessions were offered and from September 2017, online training was also made available. All new applicants are required to complete the training as part of the application process otherwise a licence will not be issued.


The issue of child sexual exploitation has been in the headlines over the last few months through Northumbria Police’s Operation Sanctuary and Operation Shelter, which looked at grooming gangs.

Shelter targeted a network of predators who groomed troubled women and girls in Newcastle’s West End then passed them around for sex. The operation led to a number of people being jailed.

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IDFIMH

What's the betting these fellas have either retired or left the trade, as happens in every council every year.

In short a non story.

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IDFIMH

Our council brought in a condition last April stating that all drivers had to complete the training within 1 year. They organised a couple of courses in june last year but none since then. how are drivers supposed to comply when no courses are being held?

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Grandad,

In short it is a correct story.

I wonder then why some had their licences suspended, while others revoked?

our council is breathing heavy on those who have yet to complete it but their approach is to remind the drivers to complete it usually by phone call and as ours is on line it should not be a problem

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lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector

Clearly they can't.

Has anyone suggested they organise more?

What happens to new entrants?

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IDFIMH