The council is contemplating introducing mandatory safeguarding awareness training for all taxi and private hire drivers.

Wyre Forest District Council is consulting on the plans after a review of the existing Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy that currently only requires drivers applying for a licence for the first time to complete such training.

These changes have been considered alongside additional consultation of the Department for Transport’s Statutory Guidance on Taxi and Private Hire Standards.

 

 

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The council is calling on various stakeholders, including users of taxis and private hire vehicles, to offer their views on this notion.

They are also looking for feedback from groups involved in the night-time economy.

Councillor Tracey Onslow, the council's cabinet member for culture, leisure, arts and community safety, said: "We introduced training for all new licenced drivers so they would be able to follow safeguarding advice to help identify issues such as the sexual exploitation of children and vulnerable individuals, helping them to know how to deal with these issues and report any concerns.

"We are now considering bringing in the training for all licenced drivers, but we want to hear what all stakeholders think about suggestion.

"If you use a taxi or private hire car please take a few minutes to fill in the survey."

Stakeholders can express their thoughts on an online survey available at www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/consultations until 5pm on Tuesday, May 21.