The number of Bristol taxi drivers convicted of violent or sexual offences has tripled in the past year.Data obtained from a Freedom of Information (FoI) request shows that nine Hackney cab drivers were convicted of serious offences last year, compared to three convictions in 2014.
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The number of cabbies charged with criminal offences has also increased by almost 50 per cent in the same period, with fraud, violence, theft and sexual attacks among the incidents listed.
The figures relate to Hackney cab drivers who work in blue vehicles and can be flagged down on the street without a prior booking.
In addition, one private hire cabby – who works for a firm which requires customers to book in advance - was charged and convicted of violent or sexual offences last year.
Some 825 people are licenced to drive Hackney cabs and 993 to drive private hire taxis in Bristol, and while the number of convictions is relatively low, it is on the increase.
Between 2012 and 2015 the number of cabbies charges with violent and sexual offences rose by 150per cent from two to nine.
It is not illegal for taxi drivers to hold criminal convictions, but Government guidelines say that individuals should "not pose a threat to the public" through being dishonest or violent.
Any potential taxi driver with a conviction for a serious offence is expected to remain free from further offences for an "appropriate period", and show "adequate evidence" that they are a "fit and proper person to hold a licence".
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