UK (LONDON) – Taxi and private hire vehicle drivers in the United Kingdom will have to go through criminal record checks every six months. As per the fresh regulations, CCTV could be fixed in cabs to improve the licensing system, the country’s transport ministry said.
A recommendation for licensing authorities that CCTVs would be “beneficial or proportionate” in their areas has also been given consideration, the ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.
The new government standards were recommended following a slew of abuse cases in UK cities.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said in the statement, “We know the majority of drivers provide an important and safe service for communities, but in light of appalling incidents in places such as Rochdale, Oxford, Newcastle and Rotherham, more must be done to protect passengers from those who abuse their position of trust.”
“That’s why we’re looking to licensing authorities to enforce these rigorous new standards, ensuring drivers are fit to transport passengers in a safe environment and to stop those who aren’t.”
This could help mprove consistency in the licensing system and mitigate the risk of harm posed to children and vulnerable passengers.
Taxi and private hire vehicle drivers are to be endowed with training to identify and respond to passengers that may have been abused, the ministry added.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field.