Will you be ready if these recommendations become mandatory national minimum standards?
“While the vast majority of drivers are safe and act responsibly, we have seen too many cases where taxi and minicab drivers have used their job to prey on vulnerable people, women and children.” – Taxis Minister Nusrat Ghan – February 2019
Recommendations:
- Passenger Safety Training
- Database to thoroughly check drivers’ licenses and be aware of any previous convictions
- Restricting drivers from operating out of their licensed area
- Pushing for safety in vehicles for drivers and passengers with the use of CCTV equipment
The government has launched a consultation on new rules for licensing authorities which will outline how they should be acting to protect themselves and their passengers. These guidelines have been put forward to improve safety standards for Taxi and PHV (private hire vehicles) nationwide.
The main points that have been put forward are passenger safety training, a licensing data base, driver restrictions and the possibility of mandatory CCTV in taxis.
Passenger safety is a high priority, everyone should feel comfortable whilst taking a taxi, that’s why new safety measures have been recommended. Passenger training has been put forward to ensure that passengers will arrive to their destination safe and sound.
A Licensing Database will be put into place using Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Employers will be able to screen their prospective employees to ensure no criminal background exists. This will result in customers feeling confident about their driver. Driver authentication will also be added.
Driver Restrictions so all taxi and PHV journeys should start and/or end within the area which the driver, vehicle and operator are licensed. Licensing authorities may be asked to cap the number of Taxi and PHVs operating in their areas.
Vehicle CCTV has been put forward in the interests of passenger safety that all licensed vehicles must be fitted with CCTV (visual and audio) subject to strict data protection measures. It’s the department’s view that CCTV provides additional public protection to both passengers and drivers due to being able to provide a fuller objective record of events. Benefits of having CCTV will protect drivers by deterring and preventing crime, assisting police, assisting insurers and keeping the passenger and driver safe.
We will be keeping a close eye on these updates and relaying information to you when announcements are made. ACSS are approved installers of CCTV for councils whom welcome CCTV or have made it mandatory in their Taxis.
