Yawn from YorkshireTAXI companies could face tougher licensing regimes in an effort to tackle child sexual exploitation in places like Rotherham, a transport minister has suggested.
John Hayes said current regulations were “being gamed”, amid concerns that taxis which fail to obtain licences in places with tighter controls are still able to get one elsewhere and return.
“I think where a local authority tightens sometimes neighbouring local authorities adopt a more permissive regime”, Mr Hayes told MPs at transport questions this morning.
“I want to introduce new guidance and I want greater consistency in the way that the licences are issued.
“This has to be about public safety, security and well-being. We really do have to take action.”
The Rotherham abuse scandal, uncovered in 2012 by The Times newspaper, revealed decades of systematic sexual abuse of children by gangs, with taxis being used to transport victims.
Current regulations for taxis and private hire vehicles dictate that drivers must be “fit and proper persons”, meaning that background checks are undertaken and councils can carry out DBS checks on applicants.
Mr Hayes’ comments came after concerns were raised by Labour’s Clive Betts, chairman of the Communities and Local Government Select Committee, and shadow minister Cat Smith.
Login
Register
FAQ
