New compulsory training introduced for Herefordshire taxi and private hire drivers

Herefordshire Council have voted to introduce a new policy for all taxi and private hire drivers licensed by the authority.

Drivers will now have to complete mandatory safeguarding training to ensure vulnerable residents are fully protected.

Herefordshire Council, who currently have around 1,050 taxi and private hire drivers working under their legislation, voted to adopt the new policy which hopes to become an invaluable document for council officers while enforcing and regulating the industry.

Mandatory safeguarding training is the stand out new policy, which has been adopted by many other licensing authorities around the UK.

As reported in the Cotswold Journal, the training will be provided in conjunction with council Children's Services.

Once completed, this will mean taxi and private hire licence holders will also be authorised to carry out county transport work on behalf of Herefordshire Council.

Among those specific work opportunities are such transport contracts to take children to and from schools and transporting social care clients. Councillor Ange Tyler, cabinet member for housing, regulatory services, and community safety, said the council were delighted to have the opportunity to re-vamp the council's Taxi Policy.

She added: "We have consulted with both the taxi trade and stakeholders, and this update is something they have been asking for as well." Tyler stressed the importance of ensuring that members of the public, and particularly the most vulnerable residents, are fully protected.

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