Burnley councillor raises concern over taxi drivers' Englishhttps://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/n ... s-english/A senior councillor has called for new rules for taxi and private hire vehicle drivers in a borough to ensure they can speak good English.Former Burnley Council Conservative group leader Cllr Alan Hosker, now sitting as an Independent, raised the issue at the authority’s executive on Wednesday night.
A former taxi driver himself, he said: “It was brought to my attention through concerns raised by members of the public on some taxi drivers not being able to speak English.
“Members of the public need to be able to travel in safety, knowing that the driver can speak English.
"I have been on the licensing committee myself and I know some drivers who were brought before the committee had to bring an interpreter.
“This is a matter of public safety and communication.
“How can Joe Public communicate with the driver in an emergency if he cannot speak English.
“I have tried to raise this several times with the licensing committee and have been ignored. I want this addressed here.”
The council’s community and environment boss, Cllr Howard Baker said the issue was not for the executive to consider but one for the licensing committee to look at.
He added that to ensure it was examined, Cllr Hosker needed to provide examples of public complaints and instances of emergencies where a taxi driver's poor command of English was an issue.
After the meeting, Cllr Hosker said: “They have fobbed me off again.
“I shall continue to raise this issue, including at full council.
“Burnley Council used to have a knowledge test, including that drivers must speak good English.
“I just want the public to have confidence to be able to travel safely and understand the driver.
“It is up to the council to make sure this is sorted. I am making my points as a matter of concern.”
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