...you get the picture
I suspect one or two on here will be a tad cynical about this...
Oxfordshire taxi firm investigated over school route concern
https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/25716 ... -concerns/
An Oxfordshire taxi company is under investigation over allegations of safeguarding concerns on school routes.
Go Green Taxis, based in Didcot, has operated Abingdon, Bicester, Didcot, Henley, Oxford, Wallingford, Wantage, Witney, Newbury and Reading for the past 15 years while offering school pick up and drop offs.
Oxfordshire County Council has confirmed it is using a different taxi company to take children to school while the investigation is ongoing.
At least one parent has reported the company to the county council, who has alleged to this newspaper her SEN daughter being left at the side of the road, speeding and the child even worried she was kidnapped at one point.
Mum Gemma Rodgerson, from Witney, has a 15-year-old daughter who has autism and ADHD, as well as an EHCP, an education, health and care plan that is a legally binding document for under 25s with significant special educational needs (SEN) that can't be met by mainstream support, detailing their educational, health and social care needs.
She said: "The driver drove off and left my daughter in Witney. As part of her ECHP, the local authority provide home to school transport and we had no phone calls.
"When I rang the SEN transport department, the lady said a taxi will be sent. But at that point she'd been left outside, it was dark and cold at 4pm."
She claimed that at one point, a Go Green driver had been caught speeding by her phone tracker travelling at 43mph in a 20mph zone.
"I'm also concerned that the drivers have on their phone a message that says 'beware, passengers may have autism, ADHD, down syndrome or SEN needs," the mother added.
"Why do you need to 'beware'? They're not animals."
Ms Rodgerson said she has taken issue with Oxfordshire County Council's response to the problems, saying she has been "ignored" by the authority when she raises concerns.
She added: "We need change at Oxfordshire County Council. We [SEN parents] want to work with the council, but they just shut you off. Every parent only wants what is right for their children."
A spokeswoman from Go Green Taxis said: "We operate hundreds of routes each month and have done so for more than 15 years.
"Safeguarding is a core priority, and we respond promptly to any concerns, working closely with contracting authorities, schools, guardians and drivers to ensure the delivery of a safe and secure service.
"We continue to liaise with contracting authorities in a timely and cooperative manner in response to any complaints or concerns that are raised."
An Oxfordshire County Council spokesman said: “The safety and wellbeing of children and young people will always be our priority.
“We are aware of the allegations made about Go Green Taxis Ltd and as with any concerns raised about individuals or organisations, we are urgently carrying out a thorough investigation.
“An alternative company is currently providing home to school transport."
The spokesman added: “We will continue to listen and involve families on this important journey of improvement for children and young people.”
